3er arco

The term "3er arco" (Spanish for "3rd arc") typically refers to the third aortic arch during embryonic development in vertebrates, including humans. The aortic arches are a series of paired blood vessels that connect the developing heart to the dorsal aorta. These arches form and then regress or are modified to form different parts of the adult arterial system.

The fate of the 3rd aortic arch is to contribute primarily to the formation of the common carotid arteries and the proximal part of the internal carotid arteries. The common carotid arteries supply blood to the head and neck region. Specifically, the left 3rd aortic arch becomes the proximal part of the left internal carotid artery, while the right 3rd aortic arch forms the proximal part of the right internal carotid artery. The distal portion of the internal carotid arteries, as well as the external carotid arteries, develop from the cranial portion of the dorsal aorta.

The understanding of the development of the aortic arches is crucial in comprehending the origins of various congenital vascular anomalies that can arise if the normal developmental processes are disrupted. Malformations or incomplete regression of these arches can lead to conditions such as double aortic arch, interrupted aortic arch, and other vascular ring abnormalities.