AORTIC ARCHES Meaning and
Definition
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Aortic arches refer to a series of curved blood vessels that arise from the aorta, the primary large artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart's left ventricle to various parts of the body. The term "aortic arches" specifically pertains to the specific structures found in the cardiovascular system of some vertebrates.
These arches are most prominently observed in organisms with gills, such as fish or tadpoles, during their embryonic development. They represent a transient stage in the formation of the circulatory system and aid in supplying oxygen to the growing organism before the lungs or gills become fully functional.
In general, there are multiple pairs of aortic arches; their number can vary across different species. These arches connect the ventral aorta to the dorsal aorta and form a complex network of blood vessels. The specific arrangement and function of each arch vary depending on the species.
In higher vertebrates, including humans, the aortic arches from the embryonic stage undergo significant transformations. The arches disappear almost entirely as the circulatory system evolves into its adult form. In humans, remnants of these arches can be found in the great vessels that branch off from the aortic arch, which include the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.
Overall, aortic arches play a crucial role during embryonic development, representing a transitional stage in the formation of the circulatory system in certain vertebrates.
Etymology of AORTIC ARCHES
The word "aortic arches" is derived from two different origins: "aortic" and "arches".
1. Aortic: The term "aortic" comes from the Greek word "aortē" (ἀορτή), which means "artery" or specifically "great artery". It is derived from the Greek word "aeirein" (αείρειν), meaning "to lift" or "to elevate". This is associated with the function of the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
2. Arches: The word "arches" is derived from the Latin word "arcus", meaning "arch" or "bow". In the context of anatomy, it refers to the curved or arched structure formed by the blood vessels in the circulatory system.
