karotidens

Karotidens refers to the carotid artery system in the neck and head. It comprises the common carotid arteries on each side, which ascend in the carotid sheath and terminate by dividing into the internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain, and the external carotid artery, which supplies the face, scalp, and neck. The carotids are a central component of cerebral circulation and are commonly evaluated in clinical practice.

Origin and course: The right common carotid originates from the brachiocephalic trunk, while the left arises directly from the aortic arch. Each travels superiorly in the neck within the carotid sheath, lateral to the trachea and esophagus and posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, then bifurcates at about the level of the upper thyroid cartilage (C3–C4).

Branches and distribution: The internal carotid artery courses intracranially after entering the skull and generally has no branches in the neck. The external carotid artery gives off several branches in the neck, including the superior thyroid, lingual, facial, occipital, posterior auricular, ascending pharyngeal, maxillary, and superficial temporal arteries.

Carotid sinus and body: Near the bifurcation lie the carotid sinus and carotid body, which house baroreceptors and chemoreceptors that regulate blood pressure and blood gas concentrations. These sensors contribute to reflexes controlling heart rate and vascular tone.

Clinical significance: The carotid system is clinically important for assessing pulse and detecting carotid artery disease, stenosis, or aneurysm. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography are used to assess patency; treatment may involve medical therapy or revascularization (endarterectomy or stenting) in selected cases.