Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major artery in the neck: The common carotid artery is a large blood vessel that runs upward on each side of the neck. It supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck regions. It bifurcates (divides) into two main branches: the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully dissected the tissue to expose the common carotid artery.
  • Atherosclerosis can lead to a narrowing of the common carotid artery, increasing stroke risk.
  • The pulse of the common carotid artery can sometimes be felt in the neck.

Advanced Usage

• "Common carotid artery bifurcation": The specific point where the common carotid artery splits into its internal and external branches. This is a critical anatomical landmark.
  • The plaque was located just proximal to the common carotid artery bifurcation.

Variants and Related Words

• Carotid (adj): Pertaining to the carotid arteries.
  • Carotid stenosis is a serious medical condition.
• Internal carotid artery (n): The branch of the common carotid that supplies blood to the brain.
• External carotid artery (n): The branch of the common carotid that supplies blood to the face and neck.

Synonyms

• Carotid trunk: A less common term referring to the common carotid artery before its division.

Related Phrases

• Carotid pulse: The pulse felt by pressing on the common carotid artery in the neck.
  • In an emergency, check for a carotid pulse.
• Carotid endarterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove plaque from the inner lining of the carotid artery, often the common carotid or its branches.
  • The patient underwent a carotid endarterectomy to prevent a future stroke.

Noun

1. runs upward in the neck and divides into the external and internal carotid arteries