Common Carotid Artery

The common carotid artery is considered one of the most important arteries in the human anatomy, as it supplies oxygenated blood to the brain...

The human anatomy is one of the most complex and intricate structures, and the common carotid artery is a part of it. This is one of the arteries that supplies oxygenated blood to the brain and neck. The common carotid artery is a paired structure which divides into two parts, one known as the external carotid artery and the other is known as the internal carotid artery. Both the internal and external carotid arteries run upward in the neck. These two are the main supply lines of oxygenated blood to the neck and the brain and if anything goes wrong with this artery it is considered to be a serious problem. There are some risks to the common carotid artery bifurcation, there is a possibility of blockage due to plaque build up or due to blood clots. This condition is known as carotid artery stenosis. The symptoms of problem in the carotid artery are very subtle and only medical diagnostics can reveal any problem.

Common Carotid Artery Function

The common carotid artery divides into two parts and each has its own unique role to play in the supply of blood. The two parts of the common carotid artery, the external carotid and the internal carotid differ in size, and the areas they supply blood to also differs. Let us take a look at the origin and the functions of both these branches of the common carotid artery.

External Carotid Artery

The external carotid artery originates from the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic artery which is also known as the innominate artery. The external carotid artery is located on the right side of the neck and is restricted to the neck region. For a better understanding of its origin it can be said that it springs from behind the sternoclavicular articulation. This branch of the common carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to the throat and neck region. It also plays an integral role in supplying oxygenated blood to the face and the ear. Some of the other regions that the external carotid artery supplies blood to are the tongue and scalp.

Internal Carotid Artery

The internal carotid artery is located on the left side and also originates from near the brachiocephalic artery. To be a little specific, the internal carotid artery originates from the arch of the aorta. The aorta is a large artery which carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart. The left common carotid artery supplies blood to the internal parts of the brain. It is also responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the orbital cavities (eyes).

Common Carotid Artery Risks

One of the major risks involved is carotid artery blockage, which if left untreated can be fatal. If there is a blockage in the artery a person will experience symptoms like numbness in one side of the body. People suffering from a blockage in this artery may also notice loss of control of the extremities. Other carotid artery blockage signs are nausea, blurred vision and loss of consciousness. The blockage can occur due to blood clots or accumulation of plaque. Treatment may include blood thinning medication, while in some cases surgery will be required. Another treatment option is known as the carotid angioplasty, in this procedure a balloon attached to a catheter is inserted into the artery and is then inflated to stretch the artery open.

If you plan to keep the common carotid artery healthy and blockage free you need to make certain lifestyle changes, for example you need to start exercising and go on a low fat diet. People who smoke and consume excess alcohol are also at risk of artery blockage.