Right common carotid artery

Right Common Carotid Artery

The right common carotid artery and its branches. (Image from Gray's Anatomy)

The Right Common Carotid Artery is one of the two main blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck. It originates from the brachiocephalic trunk and ascends in the neck to the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, where it divides into the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery.

Structure

The right common carotid artery is typically larger than the left common carotid artery. It arises from the brachiocephalic trunk, which is the first major branch of the aorta. The artery ascends in the neck within the carotid sheath, a fascial compartment that also contains the internal jugular vein and the vagus nerve.

Function

The right common carotid artery supplies oxygenated blood to the right side of the neck, face, and brain. It does this through its two main branches: the external carotid artery, which supplies the face and neck, and the internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain.

Clinical significance

The right common carotid artery is a key landmark in medical procedures such as carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure used to prevent stroke. It can also be affected by conditions such as carotid artery disease, which can lead to stroke if not treated.

See also

• Carotid artery
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Carotid artery disease