Morphology/Structure
The ligamentum arteriosum is an embryological remnant that connects the aortic arch to the pulmonary trunk at its point of bifurcation.
Related parts of the anatomy
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
