Complex and multiple anomalies of the aortic arch: Atypical origin of the vertebral artery of continuing interest among embryologists, anatomists, and clinicians

Aortic arch branching anomalies are a relatively rare occurrence, observed in approximately 3-5% of cadavers. These anomalous branching patterns continue to be a topic of ongoing dialogue in embryological evolution and cervical region surgery. During dissection, it was discovered that the donor’s left vertebral artery arose from the aortic arch between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. In an earlier report that is included here, the right vertebral artery arose directly from the aortic arch (authors and journal expressed permission and attribution: Vasan et al., 2022). This paper not only discusses the embryological evolution of the vertebral artery and its anomalous branching but also emphasizes the need for careful examination of the aortic arch and its branches during clinical evaluation and surgical procedures.