Retroesophageal Right Subclavian Artery

This is a  post-mortem specimen showing a patent ductus arteriosus (D) and a retroesophageal right subclavian artery (R) coursing dorsally over the esophagus (E).   Retroesophageal right or left subclavian arteries can be divided close to the aorta because of collateral circulation to the distal subclavian branches via the vertebral arteries.

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Copyright © 2002-2005 The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James W. Buchanan
Students: Mike Pierdon (2002), Laurel Frydenborg (2003), Jay Hreiz (2005)