Corpus: Ligamentum arteriosum
Synonym: Botalli's ligament, arterial ligament
1. Definition
The ligamentum arteriosum is a cord of connective tissue that runs between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk. This is the obliterated ductus ateriosus (botalli).
2. Anatomy
The ligamentum arteriosum is a functionless relict that runs from the superior surface of the pulmonary trunk to the inferior surface of the aortic arch. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, loops around the ligament and runs from here cranially to the larynx.
3. Clinic
When jumping from a great height, the ligamentum arteriosum can tear and lead to an aortic dissection.