Final answer:
The three major branches of the aortic arch include the brachiocephalic artery on the right side which further divides into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries, and the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, which arise independently from the arch. These supply blood to the head, neck, upper limbs, and thoracic wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aortic arch has three major branches that supply blood to significant regions of the body. The first branch is the brachiocephalic artery, which is found on the right side of the body. This solitary vessel further subdivides into the right subclavian artery, which supplies blood to the upper limb and thoracic wall, and the right common carotid artery, furnishing the head and neck with blood.
The other two branches arising directly from the aortic arch are the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The left common carotid artery ascends to provide blood flow to the left side of the head and neck, while the left subclavian artery parallels its right counterpart in supplying the left upper limb and part of the thoracic region. It's important to note that these arteries are regarded as elastic arteries due to their capability to withstand and dampen the blood pressure fluctuations that stem from the heart's pumping action.