Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir
The carotid arteries are key blood vessels in the neck. They are vital for bringing oxygen-rich blood to the brain and face. Knowing where they are and how they work is important for health. Find out where is the carotid artery located in your neck and how it supplies blood to the brain.
Definition and Basic Anatomy
The carotid arteries are a pair of major blood vessels in the neck. They supply blood to the brain, face, and neck. The common carotid artery splits into the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery.
The internal carotid artery sends blood to the brain. The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck.
The common carotid artery runs up the neck. It lies in front of the prevertebral fascia. It enters the carotid sheath with the internal jugular vein and the vagus nerve.
At the top of the thyroid cartilage, the common carotid artery splits. It becomes the internal and external carotid arteries.
Importance in Blood Supply to the Brain and Face
The carotid arteries are key for delivering oxygenated blood to the brain and face. The internal carotid artery is very important. It supplies blood to the brain.
Any problem with the carotid arteries can cause serious health issues. This includes stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
It’s important to know about the carotid arteries for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors use ultrasound, CT angiography, and MRI angiography to check them. They look for stenosis, plaque buildup, and other problems.
Anatomy of the Carotid Arteries
The carotid arteries are key for blood flow to the brain and face. It’s important to know their structure. We’ll look at the parts of the carotid arteries and why they matter in medical care.
Common, Internal, and External Carotid Arteries
The carotid artery system has the common carotid artery. It splits into the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. The internal artery feeds the brain, while the external one goes to the face and neck.
Knowing what each artery does is key for treating vascular diseases. The internal carotid artery is vital. It supplies blood to the brain’s front part, which is essential for thinking and moving.
Anatomical Variations and Clinical Significance
While we know the usual anatomy of the carotid arteries, there are many variations. These variations can change how we treat patients, which is why they’re so important.
For example, how the carotid arteries start or go can affect disease risk or make surgery harder. Doctors need to know about these variations to give the best care.
| Artery | Primary Supply Area | Clinical Significance |
| Common Carotid Artery | Neck and face via its branches | Site of bifurcation into internal and external branches |
| Internal Carotid Artery | Brain (anterior circulation) | Critical for cerebral blood supply; involved in stroke pathology |
| External Carotid Artery | Face and neck | Supplies various structures in the head and neck; has several branches |
Location of the Carotid Arteries in the Neck
The carotid arteries are key structures in the neck. They supply blood to the brain and face. Knowing where they are is important for doctors and those interested in blood vessels.
General Position in the Neck
The carotid arteries sit to the side of the trachea and larynx. They are inside the carotid sheath. This sheath protects the artery, the internal jugular vein, and the vagus nerve.
Relationship to Other Neck Structures
The carotid arteries are near many important neck structures. They are behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle and next to the thyroid gland. Knowing this is key for surgeries and tests in the neck.
They also connect with the laryngeal nerves and the pharynx. This shows how complex the neck’s anatomy is. It’s why doctors need to know the details for medical procedures.
Origin and Path of the Carotid Arteries
The carotid arteries start and move in a way that’s key to their job. They carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain, face, and neck. Knowing where they start and how they move helps us understand their role.
Origin of the Right and Left Carotid Arteries
The right and left carotid arteries start in different places. The right common carotid artery comes from the brachiocephalic trunk, a big artery from the aortic arch. On the other hand, the left common carotid artery comes straight from the aortic arch. This shows a big difference between the two arteries.
Course of the Carotid Arteries Through the Neck
After starting, the carotid arteries go through the neck. They are on the sides of the trachea and larynx. As they go up, they stay close to the surface, making them easy to check.
The carotid arteries then split into the internal and external carotid arteries. These supply different parts of the head and neck.
Knowing how the carotid arteries move is vital for diagnosing and treating problems. Their easy-to-reach location lets doctors check them through touch and other tests.
The Carotid Bifurcation
The carotid bifurcation is a key spot where the common carotid artery splits into two branches. These are the internal and external carotid arteries. This area is important for both finding and treating health issues.
Anatomy of the Carotid Bifurcation
The carotid bifurcation happens at the top of the thyroid cartilage, near the C3-C4 vertebrae. Here, the common carotid artery splits into the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal artery goes to the brain, and the external one goes to the face and neck.
People’s carotid bifurcations can differ. These differences include where the split happens, the size of the arteries, and any unusual shapes.
Clinical Significance of the Carotid Bifurcation
The carotid bifurcation is important because it’s a common place for plaque to form. This plaque can narrow the arteries, which is a big risk for stroke. If the plaque breaks, it can cause blood clots or blockages.
Variations in Bifurcation Level
The usual spot for the carotid bifurcation is at the top of the thyroid cartilage. But, it can vary a lot between people. Some might have it higher or lower, which affects surgery and tests.
Doctors need to know about the carotid bifurcation’s anatomy and how it can change. This knowledge helps them treat carotid artery problems well.
Specialized Structures: Carotid Sinus and Carotid Body
The carotid arteries have two key parts: the carotid sinus and the carotid body. They help control blood pressure and notice changes in oxygen levels. These parts are vital for keeping the heart and brain healthy and getting enough oxygen.
Function of the Carotid Sinus
The carotid sinus is found where the carotid arteries split. It has baroreceptors that feel changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure goes up, these receptors send a signal to the brain.
The brain then works to lower the blood pressure. It does this by making the heart beat slower and widening blood vessels. When blood pressure goes down, the receptors send another signal. The brain then makes the heart beat faster and narrows blood vessels to keep the pressure right.
| Function | Description |
| Baroreception | Detecting changes in blood pressure |
| Signaling | Sending signals to the brain to regulate blood pressure |
Role of the Carotid Body
The carotid body is a small, blood-rich area near the carotid sinus. It has chemoreceptors that notice changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood pH. When oxygen levels fall, the carotid body sends a signal to the brain.
The brain then makes the breathing rate go up. This helps get more oxygen into the blood and tissues. It’s key for keeping tissues well-oxygenated.
In short, the carotid sinus and carotid body are very important. They help control blood pressure and oxygen levels. Knowing how they work helps us understand how to keep our heart and brain healthy.
Surface Anatomy: Locating the Carotid Pulse
The carotid pulse is a key sign that can be felt on both sides of the neck. It’s important for doctors to know how to find and check the carotid pulse. Locating the carotid pulse is a simple skill that helps understand a patient’s heart health.
Technique for Palpating the Carotid Pulse
To feel the carotid pulse, place your fingers lightly on the neck side. Do this just in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the thyroid cartilage level. You can feel the pulse here. It’s important to be soft to avoid pressing the carotid artery.
Clinical Significance of the Carotid Pulse
The carotid pulse is clinically significant because it shows heart rate, rhythm, and overall heart health. Any odd pulse can mean heart disease. So, it’s a key tool for doctors to diagnose.
Clinical Relevance of the Carotid Arteries
Understanding the carotid arteries is key to diagnosing and treating diseases. These arteries are vital for blood flow to the brain. Any issue with them can lead to serious health problems, like stroke.
Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke Risk
Carotid artery disease happens when the arteries narrow or block due to plaque. This can greatly increase stroke risk. It reduces blood flow to the brain or allows clots to form.
We know carotid artery disease is a big risk for stroke. Early diagnosis is key to prevent it. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
Diagnostic Procedures for Carotid Artery Disease
Several procedures diagnose carotid artery disease. Common tests include ultrasound, CT angiography, and MRI angiography. These tests show how much narrowing or blockage there is and help decide treatment.
We use these tests to check the carotid arteries and spot any problems early. This helps prevent more serious issues.
| Diagnostic Test | Description | Use in Carotid Artery Disease |
| Ultrasound | Non-invasive test using sound waves to image the carotid arteries. | Initial assessment of carotid artery narrowing. |
| CT Angiography | Imaging test using CT scans and contrast dye to visualize the carotid arteries. | Detailed assessment of the extent of narrowing or blockage. |
| MRI Angiography | Imaging test using MRI and sometimes contrast dye to visualize the carotid arteries. | Assessing the carotid arteries without radiation. |
Treatment Options for Carotid Artery Disease
Treatment for carotid artery disease varies based on the severity. Lifestyle changes and medications to control risk factors are common. For severe cases, surgery like carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty with stenting may be needed.
Surgical options aim to restore blood flow and lower stroke risk. They are recommended for severe cases.
Conclusion
Understanding the carotid arteries is key for diagnosing and treating related conditions. We’ve looked into their anatomy, location, and importance. These vital blood vessels supply blood to the brain, face, and neck.
The carotid pulse is a key sign that helps check heart rate and rhythm. Carotid artery disease is a big risk for stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent stroke. A summary of the carotid arteries shows their role in keeping blood flowing to the brain.
In clinical practice, knowing the carotid arteries’ importance helps healthcare professionals act quickly. We stress the need for awareness about carotid artery disease and its impact on patient care.
FAQ:
Where are the carotid arteries located in the neck?
The carotid arteries are in the neck, next to the trachea and larynx. They are also near the thyroid gland.
Which side of the neck is the carotid artery on?
There are two carotid arteries, one on each side. The right one comes from the brachiocephalic trunk. The left one comes directly from the aortic arch.
What is the carotid artery’s role in supplying blood to the brain?
The internal carotid artery brings oxygenated blood to the brain. The external carotid artery supplies the face and neck.
How many arteries are in the neck?
There are several arteries in the neck. But the most important are the carotid arteries. These include the common, internal, and external carotid arteries.
Where is the carotid bifurcation located?
The carotid bifurcation is at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage. It marks where the common carotid artery splits into the internal and external carotid arteries.
What is the function of the carotid sinus?
The carotid sinus helps control blood pressure. It’s key to keeping the heart and blood vessels in balance.
What is the role of the carotid body?
The carotid body checks the blood’s oxygen levels. It helps control breathing and blood flow.
How do you palpate the carotid pulse?
To feel the carotid pulse, press your fingers gently against the neck. Do this on the side of the trachea, at the level of the thyroid cartilage.
What is carotid artery disease?
Carotid artery disease is when the carotid arteries narrow or block. This raises the risk of stroke.
How is carotid artery disease diagnosed?
Doctors use imaging like ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI angiography to diagnose carotid artery disease.
What are the treatment options for carotid artery disease?
Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicine, and surgery. Surgery options are carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty with stenting.
References:
- StatPearls. (2023). Anatomy, Head and Neck: Carotid Arteries. In StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545238/
- Jones, O. (2023, February). Major arteries of the head and neck. TeachMeAnatomy. https://teachmeanatomy.info/neck/vessels/arterial-supply/
- Foran, P., & Co-authors. (2023). Clinical basis for the knowledge of anatomy of the carotid artery: A review article. Yenagoa Medical Journal, 5(2), 24-29. https://yenagoamedicaljournal.net/clinical-basis-for-the-knowledge-of-anatomy-of-the-carotid-artery-a-review-article/
- Omotoso, B. R., et al. (2021). Radiological anatomy of the intracranial vertebral artery in [population studied]. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91744-9/
