RESUMO
Background and aim:Arch of aorta is the continuation of ascending aorta lies in the superiormediastinum. The present study aims at finding the branching pattern of arch of aorta and correlate it with the embroyological and clinical significance. Materials andMethods: 30 formalin-fixed cadavers procured fromthe department of anatomy, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute ofMedical Sciences,Madhuranthagamwere dissected to study the branching pattern of arch of aorta. Results:Out of 30 cadavers 19 cadaversNormal branching pattern (Right brachiocephalic, Left common carotid and Left subclavian artery).10 cadavers showed the left common carotid arising in common with the brachiocephalic trunk. Only one showed the left vertebral artery arising directly from the aorta, the origin lying between left carotid and left subclavian arteries. Conclusion: Knowledge of normal anatomy and frequency in the variations in the branching pattern of the arch of aorta is of great importance in patients who have to undergo aortic instrumentation, four vessel angiography or supraaortic thoracic, head and neck surgery.