Brachiocephalic artery. | |
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![]() Schematic of the proximal aorta, frontal view. The brachiocephalic artery is the third branch of the aorta and the first branch from the arch of the aorta. The heart in the lower left is not shown. | |
![]() Course of the ascending aorta (anterior view), as it passes dorsally to the pulmonary trunk but ventrally to the right pulmonary artery. | |
Details | |
Precursor | Right horn of aortic sac |
Source | Aortic arch |
Branches | Right common carotid artery Right subclavian artery Thyroid ima artery (occasionally) |
Vein | Brachiocephalic vein |
Identifiers | |
Latin | truncus brachiocephalicus |
MeSH | D016122 |
TA98 | A12.2.04.004 |
TA2 | 4179 |
FMA | 3932 |
Anatomical terminology |
The brachiocephalic artery, brachiocephalic trunk, or innominate artery is an artery of the mediastinum that supplies blood to the right arm, head, and neck.[1][2]
It is the first branch of the aortic arch.[3] Soon after it emerges, the brachiocephalic artery divides into the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery.[4]
There is no brachiocephalic artery for the left side of the body. The left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery come directly off the aortic arch. Despite this, there are two brachiocephalic veins.[5]