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

It is important in anatomy that you read the question carefully and that you answer what they ask you, not what you think they are asking.

To me, the key word in this question is "direct". Any blood vessel that is not directly attached to the aortic arch is not the correct answer.

Answer A is wong because the internal carotid branches off the common carotid.

Answer B would be right if they said LEFT subclavian, but they don't, and the right subclavian branches off the brachiocephalic trunk.

Answer C would be right if they said LEFT common carotid, because the right common carotid branches off the brachiocephalic trunk.

Answer D is wrong because it comes off the ascending aorta, not the aortic arch.

So I have issues with all answers, although B and C I would accept in an exam thinking I should have been more specific in my question. I don't seem to be able to post my aortic arch diagram in here, but if you look it up, you will agree with me.

Answer 2

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 3

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.