Carotid artery

Carotid Artery

The carotid artery is a major blood vessel in the neck that supplies blood to the brain, neck, and face. There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. Each carotid artery branches into two divisions: the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery.

Anatomy

The carotid artery originates from the aorta in the chest and ascends in the neck to the level of the thyroid cartilage where it bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, while the external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck.

Function

The primary function of the carotid artery is to deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. The carotid artery also contains important baroreceptors and chemoreceptors that help regulate blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.

Clinical Significance

Diseases of the carotid artery, such as carotid artery stenosis or carotid artery dissection, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Carotid artery stenosis, a narrowing of the artery, can lead to stroke due to reduced blood flow to the brain. Carotid artery dissection, a tear in the artery wall, can also lead to stroke due to blood clot formation.

See Also

• Aorta
• Stroke
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Carotid artery dissection