ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site carotid artery The carotid and related arteries Credit: Texas Heart Institute Any of the four main arteries that supplies blood to the head. A pair of common carotid arteries run up the neck, each branching into an external and an internal artery, which supply the head with oxygenated blood. The left common carotid artery arises from the aorta just above the heart, and runs up the neck on the left side of the trachea. Just above the level of the larynx it divides into two, forming the left internal carotid and the left external carotid arteries. The right common carotid arises from the subclavian artery, which branches off the aorta, and then follows a similar path to the left common carotid, but on the other side of the neck. The external carotid arteries have numerous branches, which supply most of the tissues in the face, scalp, mouth, and jaws. The internal carotid arteries enter the skull to supply the brain (via cerebral branches). At the base of the brain, branches of the two internal carotids and the basilar artery join to form a ring of blood vessels called the circle of Willis. Narrowing of these vessels may be associated with transient ischemic attack, while obstruction causes a stroke. The carotid arteries have two specialized sensory regions in the neck, called the carotid sinus and the carotid body. The former monitors blood pressure; the latter monitors the oxygen content of the blood and helps regulate breathing. Related entries    • carotid artery disease    • carotid ultrasound Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Source: British Medical Association Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP