STRUCTURE AND RELATIONS

• Arch of Aorta on left side.

• Brachiocephalic Trunk on right side.

It is one of the large arteries of body and has more elastic fibers than other vessels. The anatomical relations that it shares with other structures in neck are as follows:

• Common Carotid Artery runs lateral to the Trachea.

• Common Carotid Artery lies anterolateral to cervical vertebrae.

• Thyroid Gland covers it anteriorly.

BRANCHES

Common Carotid Artery divides into External Carotid Artery and Internal Carotid Artery.

• Internal Carotid Artery supplies brain.

• External Carotid Artery supplies face and neck.

Common Carotid Artery rarely gives:

• Superior Thyroid Artery

• Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

• Inferior Thyroid Artery. or,

• Vertebral Artery

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Carotid Pulse is felt between trachea and sternocleidomastoid by placing fingers.

• Carotid Sinus is a dilated part of this artery where it bifurcates (divides into two terminal branches) . It is an important structure which senses and helps regulating blood pressure.

• Carotid Massage over carotid sinus reduces heart beat by reflex mechanism. It is done on one side to control tachycardia (increased heart rate). If done on both sides simultaneously it can stop heart and cause death.