The aortic arch is an essential part of the thoracic aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the circulatory system. It is located upstream of the heart and is shaped like a hook. The aortic arch is also called the aortic arch, because of its characteristic shape. It is important to note that the aortic arch is part of the thoracic aorta, which is a larger segment that also includes the ascending and descending aorta.

The aortic arch is connected to the ascending aorta, which begins at the exit of the left ventricle of the heart. The ascending aorta then curves into an arch to form the aortic arch, before becoming the descending aorta, which travels down the body.

The role of the aortic arch is to supply oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. It also carries oxygen-rich blood to the brain, arms and upper body. Because of its vital role in blood flow, abnormalities of the aortic arch can lead to serious health problems.

The aortic arch is an important part of the thoracic aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the circulatory system. It is shaped like a hook above the heart and is connected to the ascending and descending aorta. Its role is to supply oxygen and nutrients to the entire body and to carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain, arms and upper body.

Definition and Meaning

The aortic arch is located in the area of the chest between the two lungs (mediastinum). This part of the thoracic aorta begins near the second vertebra, where the transverse thoracic muscle is located. It then continues upward to pass behind and to the left in front of the trachea. It finally descends along the left side of the trachea, then along the left edge of the vertebrae to the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra.

It thus forms two curves:

One curved upwards (to bypass the root of the left lung) ;
The other curved forward and to the left (to bypass the trachea and the esophagus).

It gives rise, on its upper surface, to three arteries:

The brachiocephalic artery trunk;
The left common carotid artery;
The left subclavian artery.

Synonyms

Indication: Two other terms used to refer to the aortic arch are "aortic arch" or "aortic arch." Although these terms are different, all three are used to refer to the second portion of the thoracic aorta.

Quick comparison: As mentioned earlier, the aortic arch is usually confused with the thoracic aorta itself. However, the arch is actually the second portion of the thoracic aorta: it follows the ascending aorta and extends into the descending aorta. The arch is therefore a portion of one of the most important vessels in the body, which is the thoracic aorta.

Usage

The aortic arch is a specific medical term that is used and learned by medical professionals such as doctors, paramedics and nurses. In particular, it can be used during diagnosis or surgery.

Examples

Real-life examples:

If a person has, for example, chest pain, back pain, a hoarse voice, problems swallowing, and a high-pitched murmur, the health care professional may suspect an abnormality of the aortic arch and therefore use this term. A medical examination may allow him to confirm his hypothesis.

In this case, the health care professional may use the term "aortic arch" to refer to the patient's treatment, for example if he or she proposes surgery on the arch.

Examples of use in sentences:

Abnormalities of the aortic arch affect an individual's heart health.

The aortic arch helps deliver blood pumped by the heart to various organs in the body.

Conclusion

Importance of control:

It is important to know the term "aortic arch" because understanding human anatomy allows for a better ability to understand how one's own body works.

Summary:

By the way, by reading this article, you are now able to locate, explain the aortic arch and distinguish it from the thoracic aorta, concepts that may be essential for you to understand your body. If you would like to be more informed about this topic, check out the term "thoracic aorta", found in the lexicon.

Appendix

University of Ottawa Heart Institute. n.d. "Thoracic aortic diseases. URL: https://www.ottawaheart.ca/fr/maladie-du-cœur/maladies-de-l'aorta-thoracic [Last accessed 11/01/2023]

Outrequin, Gérard and Boutillier, Bertrand. S.d. "Aortic arch". Anatomie humaine.com. URL: https://www.anatomie-humaine.com/Arc-Aortique.html [Last accessed 09/01/2023]

Tittley, Jacques. S.d.. "Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta (TAA)". Canadian Society of Vascular Surgery. URL: https://canadianvascular.ca/Anevrismes-de-laorte-thoracique-AAT/~english#:~:text=The aorta%20is%20the,thoracic%20ascending%2C%20transverse%20and%20descending%20artery [Last accessed 11/01/2023]