The aorta begins at the level of the upper border of the second/third sternocostal articulation of the right side, behind the ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary trunk.

[3][4] Apart from T4 vertebral body, other structures such as trachea, oesophagus, and thoracic duct (from front to back) also lies to the left of the aorta.

[3] Inferiorly, the arch of aorta is connected to ligamentum arteriosum while superiorly, it gives rise to three main branches.

[10] Innervated by barometric nerve terminals, the aortic arch is responsible for sensing changes in the dilation of the vascular walls, inducing changes in heart rate to compensate for changes in blood pressure.

[12] The ductus arteriosus connects to the lower part of the arch in foetal life.

This is so called because it is a narrowing (isthmus) of the aorta as a result of decreased blood flow when in foetal life.

[14][15] The ductus arteriosus connects to the final section of the arch in foetal life.

[18] Aortopexy is a surgical procedure in which the aortic arch is fixed to the sternum in order to keep the trachea open.

It is prone to shearing force and trauma that can cause it to tear and result in massive bleeding.