One of the main arteries of the neck supplying blood to the head. Pressure on the may produce unconsciousness: carotid.
Either of two main arteries of the neck, supplying the head and neck.
The principal blood supply to the head and neck arising off the aortic arch.
One of four major blood vessels of the neck and head. In the lower neck, there are two common carotid arteries (left and right), with two branches (internal and external). The left common carotid artery leads from the aorta and runs up the neck on the left side of the trachea (windpipe). Just above the larynx (voice box) it divides in two, forming the left internal carotid and the left external carotid arteries. The right common carotid artery leads out from the subclavian artery, itself a branch of the aorta, and then divides in a similar fashion on the right side of the neck.
Either of the two main arteries in the neck whose branches supply the head and neck. The common carotid artery arises on the left side directly from the aortic arch and on the right from the innominate artery. They ascend the neck on either side as far as the thyroid cartilage (Ad2im’s apple), where they each divide into two branches, the internal carotid, supplying the cerebrum, forehead, nose, eye, and middle ear, and the external carotid, sending branches to the face, scalp, and neck.
Artery that runs close to the skin surface just to one side of the larynx. This artery is commonly used for counting the pulse.
One of the key arteries responsible for delivering blood to the head and neck is known as a major supplier.
The carotid arteries refer to the major arteries located in the neck and head. There are two primary carotid arteries, namely the left and right, each dividing into two main branches known as the internal and external carotid arteries.
The left carotid artery originates from the aorta and ascends along the left side of the trachea, while the right carotid artery arises from the subclavian artery, a branch of the aorta, and follows a similar course on the right side of the neck. Just above the level of the larynx, each carotid artery bifurcates into two branches: the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery.
The external carotid arteries branch out extensively, providing blood supply to the majority of tissues in the face, scalp, mouth, and jaws. On the other hand, the internal carotid arteries enter the skull to deliver blood to the brain and eyes. Near the base of the brain, branches from the two internal carotids and the basilar artery converge, forming a circular arrangement of blood vessels known as the circle of Willis. Narrowing of these vessels may be associated with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), while their complete blockage can result in a stroke.
The carotid arteries possess two distinct sensory areas in the neck: the carotid sinus, responsible for monitoring blood pressure, and the carotid body, which monitors the oxygen level in the blood and assists in regulating breathing. Additionally, the carotid artery is one of the locations where the pulse can be measured.