Common carotid artery

Common Carotid Artery

Common carotid artery and its branches

The Common Carotid Artery is a major blood vessel in the human body that supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck. It originates from the aorta in the thorax and ascends in the neck to the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, where it bifurcates into the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery.

Structure

The common carotid artery is present on both sides of the body. On the right side, it arises from the brachiocephalic trunk. On the left side, it originates directly from the aortic arch. Each common carotid artery divides into an internal carotid artery and an external carotid artery.

Function

The common carotid artery and its branches supply blood to many structures in the head and neck, including the brain, thyroid gland, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, and facial muscles.

Clinical significance

Blockage or injury to the common carotid artery can lead to serious health problems, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack. Diagnostic procedures like ultrasound and angiography are often used to assess the health of the common carotid artery.

See also

• Carotid artery dissection
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Carotid endarterectomy