What are the carotid arteries?
- Arteries are vessels that carry blood away from the heart. The common carotid arteries are two of several arteries that supply blood to the head. The right common carotid artery branches from the brachiocephalic artery and extends up the right side of the neck. The left common carotid artery branches from the aorta and extends up the left side of the neck. Each carotid artery branches into internal and external vessels near the top of the thyroid.
Function:
- Supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck regions of the body.
Branches:
- Internal Carotid Artery - Supplies oxygenated blood to the brain and eyes.
- External Carotid Artery - Branches off to supply oxygenated blood to the throat, neck glands, tongue, face, mouth, ear, scalp and dura mater of the meninges.
