ABSTRACT

The branchial arches are only transitory structures in human development. Nevertheless, they are conspicuous structures on the surface of the embryo during the middle of the embryonic period, and they give rise to a number of very important permanent structures. Furthermore, the aortic arches (blood vessels) running through the branchial arches give rise to a number of other important blood vessels. Examples include the arch of the aorta, the pulmonary trunk, and the carotid arteries, all important adult blood vessels, as well as the ductus arteriosus, a prenatal blood vessel shunt (bypass), which plays an important role in the development of the heart.