Embryology Brief

Question 1

What happens to the 1st and 2nd pair of aortic arches?

Answer 1

Both disappear early, a remnant of the first arch forms part of the maxillary artery (a branch of the external carotid artery)

Question 2

What happens to the 3rd pair of aortic arches?

Answer 2

Forms the common carotid arteries and first part of internal carotid arteries

Question 3

What happens to the 4th pair of aortic arches?

Answer 3

• Left side forms the arch of the aorta

- Right side forms the right subclavian artery

Question 4

What happens to the 5th pair of aortic arches?

Answer 4

Disappears on both sides

Question 5

What happens to the 6th pair of aortic arches?

Answer 5

Forms the pulmonary arteries

• The left side forms the left pulmonary artery and ductus arteriosus
• The right side forms the right pulmonary artery