The five pairs of aortic arch arteries undergo selective regression during remodeling of the pharyngeal arch arterial system. Which arch artery gives origin to the common carotid artery?

• A First arch artery
• B Second arch artery
• C Fourth arch artery
• D Third arch artery ✓

Explanation

The third aortic arch arteries form the common carotids and the proximal part of the internal carotids. The fourth arch artery becomes the definitive aortic arch on the left and the proximal right subclavian on the right. The first and second arch arteries largely regress, contributing only to maxillary and hyoid/stapedial vessels respectively. The sixth arch artery gives the pulmonary arteries and the ductus arteriosus on the left. Remembering the third arch as the carotid arch is standard examination material.

Reference: Langman's Medical Embryology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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