WEEK 3 (Aorta)

Question 1

Ascending Aorta

Answer 1

• In PERICARDIAL SAC covered by a VISCERAL LAYER of SEROUS PERICARDIUM
• ORIGIN: AORTIC ORIFICE at the base of the LEFT VENTRICLE

Question 2

Arch of the Aorta

Answer 2

• Second right costal cartilage
• In superior Mediastinum

Question 3

What can the thoracic portion of the aorta be divided into?

Answer 3

• Ascending aorta
• Arch of the aorta
• Thoracic (descending) aorta

Question 4

Describe the Aorta

Answer 4

Begins when the ascending aorta emerges from the PERICARDIAL SAC and courses upward, backward and to the left as it passes through the SUPERIOR MEDIASTINUM

Question 5

Which branches arise from the Superior border of the arch of the aorta?

Answer 5

• BRACHIOCEPHALIC TRUNK
• LEFT COMMON CAROTID ARTERY
• LEFT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY

(At their origins, all three are crossed anteriorly by the left brachiocephalic vein)

Question 6

Brachiocephalic trunk

Answer 6

• Largest of the 3 branches
• Slightly anterior to the other branches
• POINT OF ORIGIN: behind the manubrium of the sternum
• Divides into RIGHT COMMON CAROTID ARTERY & RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY
• Mainly applies the right side of HEAD, NECK & R UPPER LIMB

Question 7

Left common carotid artery

Answer 7

• Arises from arch immediately to the left and slightly posterior to the BRACHIOCEPHALIC TRUNK
• Ascends through the superior mediastinum along the left side of TRACHEA
• Supplies the left side of HEAD & NECK

Question 8

Left subclavian artery

Answer 8

• Arises from arch immediately and slightly posterior to LEFT COMMON CAROTID ARTERY
• Ascends through the superior mediastinum along the left side of the trachea
• Major blood supply to the left upper limb

Question 9

Ligamentum Arteriosum

Answer 9

• Connects pulmonary trunk with the arch of the aorta and allows blood to bypass the lungs during development
• Vessel soon closes after birth and becomes a ligament