Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Ligamentum Arteriosum
Cardiovascular System

Ligamentum Arteriosum

Ligamentum arteriosum

Read more

Morphology/Structure

The ligamentum arteriosum is an embryological remnant that connects the aortic arch to the pulmonary trunk at its point of bifurcation.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Key Features/Anatomical Relations

The ligamentum arteriosum sits inferior to the aortic arch and superior to the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk, approximately at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra. Branches of the superficial cardiac plexus wrap around the ligamentum arteriosum. Additionally, the recurrent laryngeal branch of the left vagus nerve wraps around the aortic arch just posterior to the ligamentum arteriosum before ascending to the larynx. On the right-hand side, the recurrent laryngeal branch typically wraps around the right subclavian artery.

Function

In fetal life, the ligamentum arteriosum is called the ductus arteriosus and is a patent vessel that shunts blood away from the relatively undeveloped lungs to systemic circulation. In adulthood, it persists as a vestigial piece of connective tissue that connects the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

List of Clinical Correlates

- Persistent ductus arteriosus

Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products

Aortic Arch

ScienceDirect image

The aortic arch is the portion of the aorta, whether patent or atretic, that connects the ascending and descending aorta and gives rise to the arteries supplying the head, neck, and upper extremities.

Explore on ScienceDirect opens in new tab/window

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy