Internal carotid artery

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Internal Carotid Artery

The Internal Carotid Artery is a major blood vessel in the human body that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It is one of the two main branches of the common carotid artery, the other being the external carotid artery.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The internal carotid artery originates from the common carotid artery at the level of the top of the thyroid cartilage and, ascending in the neck, it enters the skull through the carotid canal.

Branches and Areas Supplied[edit | edit source]

The internal carotid artery gives off a number of branches that supply blood to various parts of the brain:

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The internal carotid artery is of great clinical significance as it is often involved in stroke due to atherosclerosis. It can also be involved in carotid artery disease, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the brain, causing a transient ischemic attack or a stroke.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Internal carotid artery Resources

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Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD