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Carotid artery

Arteria carotis communis

The major blood supply to the head and neck, the common carotid arteries each ascend within the carotid sheath lateral to the trachea and divide into an internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain, and an external carotid artery, which supplies the face, scalp, and structures of the neck. The right common carotid arises from the brachiocephalic trunk and the left directly from the aortic arch, and each bifurcates near the level of C3 to C4, at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage. Stenosis of the artery is a major cause of ischemic stroke, and carotid endarterectomy removes the atherosclerotic plaque. Baroreceptors in the carotid sinus regulate blood pressure, and dissection of the vessel can cause stroke, particularly in young adults.

The right common carotid arises from the brachiocephalic trunk; the left arises directly from the aortic arch. Each ascends in the carotid sheath lateral to the trachea and bifurcates at approximately the level of C3-C4 (upper border of thyroid cartilage) into internal and external branches.

On this page
类型 Vessel
身体系统 Cardiovascular
身体区域 Neck
拉丁名称 Arteria carotis communis
FMA ID 3939

功能

The common carotid arteries are the major blood supply to the head and neck. Each bifurcates into the internal carotid (supplies the brain) and external carotid (supplies the face, scalp, and neck structures) arteries.

临床意义

Carotid artery stenosis is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy removes atherosclerotic plaque. The carotid sinus reflex (baroreceptor) regulates blood pressure. Carotid dissection can cause stroke, especially in young adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the carotid artery?

The carotid artery is a major paired vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the head, neck, and brain. There are two common carotid arteries—one on each side—each dividing into internal and external branches.

Where is the carotid artery located?

The carotid arteries ascend through the carotid sheath, lateral to the trachea, and bifurcate at approximately the level of C3–C4, near the upper border of the thyroid cartilage. The left common carotid arises from the aortic arch, while the right arises from the brachiocephalic trunk.

What is the function of the carotid artery?

The carotid artery supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck structures. The internal carotid branch supplies the brain and eyes, while the external carotid supplies the face, scalp, and neck.

What conditions may be associated with the carotid artery?

The carotid artery may be involved in atherosclerosis, carotid stenosis, and carotid artery disease, which are associated with increased risk of stroke. Carotid dissection is another condition that may affect this vessel.

What does the carotid artery look like?

The common carotid artery is a cylindrical, thick-walled vessel running within the carotid sheath alongside the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve. Its bifurcation into internal and external branches can be identified at the level of the thyroid cartilage on imaging.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:3939 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.