Aortic Arch Branches

Question

Which of the following is a direct branch of the aortic arch?

1. A) Internal carotid artery
2. B) Subclavian artery
3. C) Common carotid artery
4. D) Right coronary artery

Answer 1

Technically, none of the possible answers are correct. The internal carotid artery is a branch of the common carotid artery. This is true for both the right and left. The right subclavian artery is a branch of the brachiocephalic trunk. The left subclavian artery IS a branch of the aortic arch, but the answer does not specify right or left. The same goes for the common carotid artery: the right branches off the brachiocephalic trunk and the left branches off the aortic arch. But, again, the answer does not specify right or left. The right coronary artery branches off the ascending aorta. So A and D are definitely incorrect, and B and C are half correct.

I guess if you answered both B and C, you would have a whole correct answer! :)

Answer 2

Answer: B) Subclavian artery

1. Explanation: The aortic arch gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk (which then splits into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries), the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. The internal carotid arises from the common carotid artery, not directly from the arch.