Aortic arch and great vessels

The aortic arch and great vessels represent a critical anatomical segment of the cardiovascular system, serving as the primary distribution hub for oxygenated blood from the heart to the head, neck, and upper extremities. This region comprises the transverse aorta and its three major branches: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery (StatPearls, 2023). It is not a molecular therapeutic target, such as a receptor or enzyme, but rather a macrovascular structure that is a frequent site of life-threatening pathologies. Common conditions affecting this area include aortic aneurysms, dissections, and atherosclerotic narrowing (NIH, 2022). While drugs like antihypertensives and statins are used to manage the health of these vessels by targeting systemic pathways, the vessels themselves are primarily managed through surgical or endovascular interventions. The aortic arch also houses baroreceptors and chemoreceptors that are vital for the autonomic regulation of blood pressure and blood gas homeostasis (Wikipedia, 2024). Understanding the structural integrity and hemodynamic properties of this region is essential for the development of cardiovascular therapies and the prevention of cerebrovascular events like stroke (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Other names

Transverse aortaGreat vessels of the neckArcus aortaeBrachiocephalic trunkLeft common carotid arteryLeft subclavian artery

Not applicable (Anatomical structure)