Which two structures are connected by the ligamentum arteriosum?
- A Ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk
- B Superior vena cava and right pulmonary artery
- C Left pulmonary artery and the arch of the aorta ✓
- D Descending thoracic aorta and left atrium
Correct answer: C. Left pulmonary artery and the arch of the aorta
Explanation
The ligamentum arteriosum is the fibrous remnant of the fetal ductus arteriosus and extends from the upper aspect of the left pulmonary artery to the undersurface of the aortic arch. It is closely related to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, which hooks around it. Option A names the great vessels themselves, which are connected by no such ligament, and options B and D describe attachments that do not exist.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.