Kaulavaltimo

Kaulavaltimo, known as the carotid artery in English, is a major blood vessel in the human neck that supplies blood to the head and brain. There are two main carotid arteries: the common carotid artery, which bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The common carotid artery originates from the aorta on the left side and from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right, ascending along each side of the neck.

The common carotid artery travels upward, typically dividing into the internal carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain, and the external carotid artery, which supplies blood to the face, neck, and scalp. The bifurcation usually occurs at the level of the thyroid cartilage (around the level of the C3-C4 vertebrae).

The carotid artery plays a crucial role in cerebral circulation. It is accessible for clinical examination via palpation along the carotid sheath, typically at the level of the larynx or the cricoid cartilage. Auscultation over the carotid artery may detect bruits, which can indicate underlying stenosis or narrowing commonly caused by atherosclerosis.

Clinically, the carotid artery is significant because it may be involved in conditions such as carotid artery disease, which can lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes if blood flow is severely obstructed. Medical interventions include carotid endarterectomy or stenting to restore adequate blood flow.

Overall, the carotid artery is vital for proper cerebral perfusion and is an important structure in both anatomy and clinical medicine.