What is "common carotid artery"?

The common carotid artery is a major blood vessel responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the head and neck regions. It arises from the aorta in the chest and bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries near the level of the thyroid cartilage. The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, while the external carotid artery provides blood to the face, scalp, and neck structures. The common carotid artery plays a vital role in maintaining adequate blood flow and oxygenation to these critical areas, supporting various functions such as cognition, sensory perception, and facial expression.