AnatomyDeck

Vessel

Common carotid artery

Main artery to the head and neck

Head & neckCardiovascular system

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

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