Brachiocephalic trunk

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Description:

The brachiocephalic trunk is the first and largest branch of the aortic arch and is an unpaired vessel. It ascends through the superior mediastinum posterior to the manubrium of the sternum and angles obliquely upward to the right for approximately two inches. Posterior to the right sternoclavicular joint it bifurcates into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. This is the arterial blood supply to the right side of the neck and head, to the right upper limb, and the right side of the anterior thoracic wall.