development
Last reviewed 01/2018
The arch of the aorta is formed from two main sources:
- its distal portion originates from the fourth branchial arch artery on the left side
- its proximal portion originates from the division of the aortic sac of the truncus arteriosus
The ductus arteriosus forms from the dorsal branch of the sixth arch artery on the left side. It connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta.
fourth (4th) branchial arch artery (embryology)