Vessel
Common carotid artery
Main artery to the head and neck
High-yield
Bifurcates at the superior border of the thyroid cartilage (~C4); the carotid sinus (baroreceptor) and body (chemoreceptor) sit at the bifurcation.
Overview
The paired artery ascending the neck within the carotid sheath that divides into the internal and external carotid arteries at the level of the C4 vertebra.
Reference facts
- Type
- Elastic/muscular artery
- Origin
- Right: brachiocephalic trunk. Left: aortic arch
- Branches / tributaries
- Internal carotid artery; External carotid artery
- Supplies
- Head and neck
- Course
- Ascends in the carotid sheath (with the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve) and bifurcates at about the C4 level
Frequently asked questions
Where does the common carotid artery originate?
Right: brachiocephalic trunk. Left: aortic arch.
What does the common carotid artery supply?
The common carotid artery supplies the head and neck.
What are the branches of the common carotid artery?
Branches of the common carotid artery include the internal carotid artery; External carotid artery.
What is the course of the common carotid artery?
Ascends in the carotid sheath (with the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve) and bifurcates at about the C4 level.