The aortic arch is the section of the aorta that curves over the top of the heart, connecting the ascending aorta to the descending aorta. Three major branches arise from the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery, which together supply blood to the head, neck, and upper extremities. In echocardiography, the aortic arch can be visualized using suprasternal notch views, and in fetal echocardiography, evaluating the arch is important for detecting congenital heart defects like coarctation. Abnormalities of the aortic arch, including aneurysms and dissections, may also be assessed with ultrasound in emergency settings.
Sonography Term