Common Carotid Artery

arteria carotis communis

The common carotid arteries are the primary blood supply to the head and neck, ascending in the carotid sheath on each side of the neck before dividing at the carotid bifurcation at C4. The carotid bulb at the bifurcation contains baroreceptors (carotid sinus) and chemoreceptors (carotid body) that regulate blood pressure and respiratory rate. The carotid pulse is the most accessible central pulse for emergency assessment.

Region: Neck

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Right: brachiocephalic trunk. Left: aortic arch directly

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Carotid artery stenosis from atherosclerotic plaque at the bifurcation is a major cause of ischaemic stroke, producing either haemodynamic hypoperfusion or thromboembolic events from plaque ulceration. Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are evidence-based treatments for symptomatic high-grade stenosis. Carotid body tumours (paragangliomas) arise from the chemoreceptor tissue at the bifurcation, producing a slowly growing pulsatile lateral neck mass that splays the carotid bifurcation on angiography.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerotic narrowing at the carotid bifurcation causing TIA or stroke from thromboembolism, managed with carotid endarterectomy or stenting for symptomatic stenosis exceeding 50 percent.