Right common carotid artery

Arteria carotis communis dextra

CardiovascularBlood vesselsNeckRight side

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What it is

Ascends in the carotid sheath beside the trachea and larynx, with the internal jugular vein lateral and the vagus nerve behind, dividing at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage (C3–C4). The right arises from the brachiocephalic trunk.

Function

Carries blood to the head, neck and brain.

Size

~7–8 mm diameter; ~9 cm long.

Clinical note

The carotid pulse is felt at the front border of sternocleidomastoid; the carotid sinus at the bifurcation senses blood pressure and atherosclerotic plaque there is a major cause of stroke.