The curved section of the aorta between the ascending and the descending tracts. the brachiocephalic, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries branch from the aorta at this section.

The aortic arch, arch of the aorta, or transverse aortic arch (English: ) is the part of the aorta between the ascending and descending aorta. The arch travels backward, so that it ultimately runs to the left of the trachea. .