Brachiocephalic trunk

 

  • First and largest branch of the arch
  • Arises opposite the centre of the manubrium sterni infront of the trachea
  • It inclines to the right to reach the posterior aspect of the right sternoclavicular joint
  • There it bifurcates into right subclavian and right common carotid arteries

Between it and the manubrium are:

  • Left brachiocephalic vein
  • Thymic remnants
  • Lower attachments of sternothyroid and sternohyoid

Upper portion is medial to right brachiocephalic vein

Right vagus is lateral to it and then passes behind it to reach the right side of the trachea.