Aortic Arch Arteries
Aortic Arches
Pharyngeal arches form weeks 4-5; each arch has its own cranial nerve and artery.
Summary of the derivatives of the aortic arches:
- Remnants of the first aortic arches contribute to the maxillary arteries of the face.
- Remnants of the second aortic arches contribute to the stapedial and hyoid arteries.
- The third aortic arches give rise to the common carotid arteries and proximal portions of the internal carotid arteries.
- The left fourth aortic arch gives rise to a portion of the adult aortic arch; the right aortic arch gives rise to the proximal portion of the right subclavian artery.
- The sixth aortic arch gives rise to the pulmonary arteries and ductus arteriosus.
Clinical correlation:
- Patent ductus arteriosus occurs when the vessel persists after birth, allowing left to right blood shunting. The size of the opening determines subsequent heart defects.