aortic arch

aortic arch definition - medical

aortic arch

noun
  1. The curved portion between the ascending and descending portions of the aorta, lying behind the manubrium and giving rise to the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian arteries. Also called arch of aorta.
  2. Any of several pairs of arterial channels encircling the embryonic pharynx in the mesenchyme of the branchial arches.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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