Morphometric Evaluation of the Aortic Arch and Its Branches in Human Cadavers: Analysis of Sex Differences, Age-Related Changes, and Their Clinical Significance

Background:The aortic arch and its branches exhibit considerable anatomical and morphometric variations that are important in cardiovascular, thoracic, and endovascular procedures. Differences related to sex, age, and branching patterns may influence surgical planning and the risk of procedural complications. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the aortic arch and its major branches in adult human cadavers, with emphasis on sex differences, age-related changes, and clinical significance. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, from January 2026 to June 2026. The study included 90 formalin-fixed adult human cadavers (60 males and 30 females). The aortic arch, ascending aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery were exposed by standard dissection techniques. Morphometric parameters including aortic arch length, vessel diameters, inter-branch distances, and branching patterns were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. The association of these parameters with sex, age, and branching pattern was statistically analyzed. Results: The mean aortic arch length was 51.17 ± 6.70 mm, with significantly higher values in males compared with females (52.4 ± 6.8 mm vs. 48.7 ± 5.9 mm; p = 0.012). The diameters of the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery were significantly greater in males than females (p < 0.05). Inter-branch distances showed higher mean values in males, with a significant difference observed for the brachiocephalic trunk–left subclavian artery distance (p = 0.041). Age demonstrated a significant positive correlation with aortic arch length (r = 0.342, p = 0.001), ascending aorta diameter (r = 0.418, p < 0.001), aortic arch diameter (r = 0.386, p < 0.001), brachiocephalic trunk diameter, left subclavian artery diameter, and left common carotid artery–left subclavian artery distance. Variations in branching patterns showed no statistically significant association with the measured morphometric parameters. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates significant sex-related differences and age-associated changes in aortic arch morphology among Indian cadavers. Increased vessel dimensions with advancing age and larger measurements in males highlight the importance of population-specific anatomical data. These morphometric findings provide valuable baseline information for cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and anatomists involved in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving the aortic arch and its branches.