Information about Carotid
| Artery: Common carotid artery | |
|---|---|
) | |
| Schematic of the proximal aorta and its branches. | |
| Arteries of the neck. The internal carotid arteries arise from the common carotid arteries - labeled Common caroti on the figure. | |
| Latin | a. carotis communis |
| subject #143 549 | |
| Source | aortic arch, brachiocephalic artery |
| Branches | internal carotid artery, external carotid artery |
| Vein | internal jugular vein |
| MeSH | Carotid+Artery,+Common |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | a_61/12153659 |
Structure
The common carotid artery is a paired structure, meaning that there are two in the body, one for each half. The left and right common carotid arteries follow the same course with the exception of their origin. The right common carotid originates in the neck from the brachiocephalic trunk. The left arises from the aortic arch in the thoracic region.The left common carotid artery can be thought of as having two parts: a thoracic (chest) part and a cervical (neck) part. The right common carotid originates in or close to the neck, so it lacks a thoracic portion.
Thoracic part
Only the left common carotid artery has a substantial presence in the thoracic region. It originates along the aortic arch, and travels upward through the superior mediastinum to the level of the left sternoclavicular joint, where it is continuous with the cervical portion.Relations
During the thoracic part of its course, the left common carotid artery is related to the following structures: In front, it is separated from the manubrium of the sternum by the sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles, the anterior portions of the left pleura and lung, the left brachiocephalic vein, and the remains of the thymus; behind, it lies on the trachea, esophagus, left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and thoracic duct.To its right side below is the brachiocephalic trunk, and above, the trachea, the inferior thyroid veins, and the remains of the thymus; to its left side are the left vagus and phrenic nerves, left pleura, and lung. The left subclavian artery is posterior and slightly lateral to it.
Cervical part
The cervical portions of the common carotids resemble each other so closely that one description will apply to both.Each vessel passes obliquely upward, from behind the sternoclavicular joint to the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, where it divides into the external and internal carotid arteries.
At the lower part of the neck the two common carotid arteries are separated from each other by a very narrow interval which contains the trachea; but at the upper part, the thyroid gland, the larynx and pharynx project forward between the two vessels.
The common carotid artery is contained in a sheath known as the carotid sheath, which is derived from the deep cervical fascia and encloses also the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve, the vein lying lateral to the artery, and the nerve between the artery and vein, on a plane posterior to both.
On opening the sheath, each of these three structures is seen to have a separate fibrous investment. During its course in the neck, the common carotid artery travels inside a sheath of fascia known as the carotid sheath.
At approximately the level of the fourth cervical vertebra, the common carotid artery bifurcates into an internal carotid artery (ICA) and an external carotid artery (ECA). While both branches travel upward, the internal carotid takes a deeper (more internal) path, eventually travelling up into the skull to supply the brain via the foramen lacerum. The external carotid artery travels more closely to the surface, and sends off numerous branches that supply the neck and face.
Relations
At the lower part of the neck the common carotid artery is very deeply seated, being covered by the integument, superficial fascia, the platysma muscle, deep cervical fascia, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and the omohyoid; in the upper part of its course it is more superficial, being covered merely by the integument, the superficial fascia, the platysma, deep cervical fascia, and medial margin of the sternocleidomastoid.When the sternocleidomastoid muscle is drawn backward, the artery is seen to be contained in a triangular space known as the carotid triangle. This space is bounded behind by the sternocleidomastoid, above by the stylohyoid and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and below by the superior belly of the omohyoid.
This part of the artery is crossed obliquely, from its medial to its lateral side, by the sternocleidomastoid branch of the superior thyroid artery; it is also crossed by the superior and middle thyroid veins (which end in the internal jugular vein); descending in front of its sheath is the descending branch of the hypoglossal nerve, this filament being joined by one or two branches from the cervical nerves, which cross the vessel obliquely.
Sometimes the descending branch of the hypoglossal nerve is contained within the sheath.
The superior thyroid vein crosses the artery near its termination, and the middle thyroid vein a little below the level of the cricoid cartilage; the anterior jugular vein crosses the artery just above the clavicle, but is separated from it by the sternohyoid and sternothyroid.
Behind, the artery is separated from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae by the longus colli and longus capitis muscles, the sympathetic trunk being interposed between it and the muscles. The inferior thyroid artery crosses behind the lower part of the vessel.
Medially, it is in relation with the esophagus, trachea, and thyroid gland (which overlaps it), the inferior thyroid artery and recurrent laryngeal nerve being interposed; higher up, with the larynx and pharynx. Lateral to the artery, inside the carotid sheath with the common carotid, are the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve.
At the lower part of the neck, on the right side of the body, the right recurrent laryngeal nerve crosses obliquely behind the artery; the right internal jugular vein diverges from the artery. On the left side, however, the left internal jugular vein approaches and often overlaps the lower part of the artery.
Behind the angle of bifurcation of the common carotid artery is a reddish-brown oval body known as the carotid body. It is similar in structure to the coccygeal body which is situated on the median sacral artery.
The relations of the cervical region of the common carotid artery may be discussed in two points points: 1)Internal relations of organs present inside the carotid sheath 2)two external relations of carotid sheath
Collateral circulation
After ligature of the common carotid, the collateral circulation can be perfectly established, by the free communication which exists between the carotid arteries of opposite sides, both without and within the cranium, and by enlargement of the branches of the subclavian artery on the side corresponding to that on which the vessel has been tied.The chief communications outside the skull take place between the superior and inferior thyroid arteries, and the deep cervical artery and the descending branch of the occipital artery; the vertebral artery takes the place of the internal carotid artery within the cranium.
Variation
Peculiarities as to Origin
The right common carotid may arise above the level of the upper border of the sternoclavicular joint; this variation occurs in about 12 percent of cases.In other cases the artery on the right side may arise as a separate branch from the arch of the aorta, or in conjunction with the left carotid.
The left common carotid varies in its origin more than the right.
In the majority of abnormal cases it arises with the brachiocephalic trunk; if that artery is absent, the two carotids arise usually by a single trunk.
It is rarely joined with the left subclavian artery, except in cases of transposition of the aortic arch.
Peculiarities as to Point of Division
In the majority of abnormal cases, the bifurcation occurs higher than usual, the artery dividing opposite or even above the hyoid bone; more rarely, it occurs below, opposite the middle of the larynx, or the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. In at least one reported case, the artery was only 4 cm in length and divided at the root of the neck.Very rarely, the common carotid ascends in the neck without any subdivision, either the external or the internal carotid being absent; and in a few cases the common carotid has itself been found to be absent, the external and internal carotids arising directly from the arch of the aorta.
This peculiarity existed on both sides in some instances, on one side in others.
Occasional Branches
The common carotid usually gives off no branch previous to its bifurcation, but it occasionally gives origin to the superior thyroid artery or its laryngeal branch, the ascending pharyngeal artery, the inferior thyroid artery, or, more rarely, the vertebral artery.Additional images
Section of the neck at about the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. | Diagram showing the origins of the main branches of the carotid arteries. | The arch of the aorta, and its branches. | Superficial dissection of the right side of the neck, showing the carotid and subclavian arteries. |
The internal mammary artery and its branches. | ) The veins of the thyroid gland. | The fascia and middle thyroid veins. | Hypoglossal nerve, cervical plexus, and their branches. |
Muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves. | The position and relation of the esophagus in the cervical region and in the posterior mediastinum. Seen from behind. | ) The thymus of a full-term fetus, exposed in situ. | Side of neck, showing chief surface markings. |
Clinical significance
The common carotid artery is often used in measuring the pulse, especially in patients who are in shock and who lack a detectable pulse in the more peripheral arteries of the body.See also
External links
The aorta (generally pronounced [eɪˈɔːtə] or "ay-orta") is the largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and bringing oxygenated blood to all parts of the body in the systemic circulation.
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In human anatomy, the internal carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck that helps supply blood to the brain.
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Classification
Terminologia Anatomica currently breaks the artery into four parts: "cervical", "petrous", "cavernous", and "cerebral"...... Click the link for more information.
Latin}}}
Official status
Official language of: Vatican City
Used for official purposes, but not spoken in everyday speech
Regulated by: Opus Fundatum Latinitas
Roman Catholic Church
Language codes
ISO 639-1: la
ISO 639-2: lat
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Official status
Official language of: Vatican City
Used for official purposes, but not spoken in everyday speech
Regulated by: Opus Fundatum Latinitas
Roman Catholic Church
Language codes
ISO 639-1: la
ISO 639-2: lat
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- For the embryological structure, see Aortic arches.
The arch of the aorta (Transverse Aorta) begins at the level of the upper border of the second sternocostal articulation of the right side, and runs at first upward, backward, and to the left in
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The brachiocephalic artery (or brachiocephalic trunk or innominate artery) is an artery of the mediastinum that supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck.
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In human anatomy, the internal carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck that helps supply blood to the brain.
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Classification
Terminologia Anatomica currently breaks the artery into four parts: "cervical", "petrous", "cavernous", and "cerebral"...... Click the link for more information.
In human anatomy, the external carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck. It arises from the common carotid artery when it bifurcates into an internal and external branch.
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The internal jugular vein collects the blood from the brain, from the superficial parts of the face, and from the neck.
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Path
It is directly continuous with the sigmoid sinus, and begins in the posterior compartment of the jugular foramen, at the base of the skull...... Click the link for more information.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. Created and updated by the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM), it is used by the MEDLINE/PubMed
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Elsevier, the world's largest publisher of medical and scientific literature, forms part of the Reed Elsevier group. Based in Amsterdam, the company has substantial operations in the UK, USA and elsewhere.
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Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body.[1] It is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy.[1]
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Arteries are muscular blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.[1] All arteries, with the exception of the pulmonary and umbilical arteries, carry oxygenated blood.
The circulatory system is extremely important for sustaining life.
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The circulatory system is extremely important for sustaining life.
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In human anatomy, the external carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck. It arises from the common carotid artery when it bifurcates into an internal and external branch.
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..... Click the link for more information.
In human anatomy, the internal carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck that helps supply blood to the brain.
..... Click the link for more information.
Classification
Terminologia Anatomica currently breaks the artery into four parts: "cervical", "petrous", "cavernous", and "cerebral"...... Click the link for more information.
The brachiocephalic artery (or brachiocephalic trunk or innominate artery) is an artery of the mediastinum that supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck.
..... Click the link for more information.
..... Click the link for more information.
- For the embryological structure, see Aortic arches.
The arch of the aorta (Transverse Aorta) begins at the level of the upper border of the second sternocostal articulation of the right side, and runs at first upward, backward, and to the left in
..... Click the link for more information.
- For the embryological structure, see Aortic arches.
The arch of the aorta (Transverse Aorta) begins at the level of the upper border of the second sternocostal articulation of the right side, and runs at first upward, backward, and to the left in
..... Click the link for more information.
The mediastinum is a non-delineated group of structures in the thorax (chest), surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.
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The sternoclavicular articulation is a double arthrodial joint. The parts entering into its formation are the sternal end of the clavicle, the upper and lateral part of the manubrium sterni, and the cartilage of the first rib, visible from the outside as the suprasternal notch.
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The manubrium (from Latin manubrĭum, "a handle") or manubrium sterni is the broad, upper part of the sternum. With a quadrangular shape, wider superiorly and narrower inferiorly, it articulates with the clavicles and the first two ribs.
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sternum (from Greek στέρνον, sternon, "chest" and hebrew pronounced "Shamokin" also meaning chest) or breastbone is a long, flat bone located in the center of the thorax (chest).
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The sternohyoid muscle is a thin, narrow muscle attaching the hyoid bone to the sternum, one of the paired strap muscles of the infrahyoid muscles serving to depress the hyoid bone. It is innervated by the ansa cervicalis.
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The Sternothyreoideus (or Sternothyroid muscle) is shorter and wider than the Sternohyoideus, beneath which it is situated.
It arises from the posterior surface of the manubrium sterni, below the origin of the Sternohyoideus, and from the edge of the cartilage of the
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It arises from the posterior surface of the manubrium sterni, below the origin of the Sternohyoideus, and from the edge of the cartilage of the
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pleurae. The outer pleura is attached to the chest wall and is known as the parietal pleura; the inner one is attached to the lung and other visceral tissues and is known as the visceral pleura.
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lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity.[1]]]
The lung is the essential respiration organ in air-breathing vertebrates, the most primitive being the lungfish.
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The lung is the essential respiration organ in air-breathing vertebrates, the most primitive being the lungfish.
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The left and right brachiocephalic veins (or innominate veins) in the upper chest are formed by the union of each corresponding internal jugular vein and subclavian vein.
These great vessels merge to form the superior vena cava.
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These great vessels merge to form the superior vena cava.
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thymus is an organ located in the upper anterior portion of the chest cavity just behind the sternum. Hormones produced by this organ stimulate the production of certain infection-fighting cells. It is of central importance in the maturation of T cells.
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trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that has an inner diameter of about 20-25 mm and a length of about 10-16cm. It extends from the larynx to the primary (main) bronchi in mammals, and from the pharynx to the syrinx in birds, allowing the passage of air to the lungs.
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The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/œsophagus, Greek οἰσοφάγος), or gullet
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The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve (tenth cranial nerve) that supplies motor function and sensation to the larynx (voice box). It travels within the endoneurial sheath.
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