Development of Aortic Arches

Question 1

embryonic aortic arches - overview

Answer 1

*arteries found within the pharyngeal arteries
*branches of the aortic sac (a distal portion of the truncus arteriosus arising from the heart ventricles)
*originally 6 pairs of aortic arches, but 5th pair regresses
*precursors to important arterial structures (common carotids, arch of aorta, pulmonary arteries, R subclavian artery, ductus arteriosus)
*ultimately form the major vasculature of the head and neck

Question 2

first aortic arch derivative

Answer 2

*maxillary arteries (R & L)

Question 3

second aortic arch derivative

Answer 3

*stapedial arteries (R & L)

Question 4

third aortic arch derivative

Answer 4

*common carotid arteries (R & L)
*proximal internal carotid arteries (R & L)

Question 5

fourth aortic arch derivative

Answer 5

*R 4th aortic arch → proximal R subclavian artery
*L 4th aortic arch → adult aortic arch

Question 6

fifth aortic arch derivative

Answer 6

*does not form any adult structures

Question 7

sixth aortic arch derivative

Answer 7

*R 6th aortic arch → proximal R pulmonary artery
*L 6th aortic arch → proximal L pulmonary artery + ductus arteriosus