Vessel
Brachiocephalic trunk
The usual common arterial stem for the right neck and arm
High-yield
The standard left arch has one brachiocephalic arterial trunk, on the right; the veins are paired.
Overview
The brachiocephalic trunk is normally the first aortic arch branch. It rises toward the right sternoclavicular region and divides into the right common carotid and subclavian arteries. The left common carotid can share its aortic origin or arise from it as a variant.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the first branch of the aortic arch
- Course
- Ascends to the right across the anterior tracheal region toward the sternoclavicular joint
- Branches
- Right common carotid and right subclavian arteries; occasional additional branches occur
- Supplies
- Right-sided head, neck and upper-limb territories through its terminal arteries
- Drains to
- Its supplied tissues return blood through regional veins, including jugular and subclavian pathways
Clinical correlation
A high or unusual course changes the artery's relationship to the trachea and lower neck. Such variation is relevant to imaging and procedures around the upper mediastinum.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the brachiocephalic trunk originate?
Usually the first branch of the aortic arch.
What does the brachiocephalic trunk supply?
The brachiocephalic trunk supplies the right-sided head, neck and upper-limb territories through its terminal arteries.
Where does blood from the brachiocephalic trunk go?
Its supplied tissues return blood through regional veins, including jugular and subclavian pathways.
What are the branches of the brachiocephalic trunk?
Right common carotid and right subclavian arteries; occasional additional branches occur.