Carotid artery

The carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck. There are two carotid arteries, one on the left and one on the right. Their accessibility and proximity to the surface makes them useful for checking the pulse.

Related Topics:
Artery - Pulse

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From their origins and for about half their length, the carotid arteries are known as common carotid arteries. The left carotid arises from the arch of the aorta, while the right carotid arises as one of the branches of the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic artery (trunk) into the carotid and right subclavian artery. The carotids then continue along similar paths within their respective sides of the neck and skull.

Related Topics:
Aorta - Brachiocephalic artery - Subclavian artery

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At approximately the level of the third cervical vertebra, the common carotid branches into the internal and external carotid arteries.

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