The carotid arteries are the principal paired vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck, including the brain. The common carotid artery on each side ascends through the neck and divides into the internal carotid artery, which feeds the anterior cerebral circulation and the eye, and the external carot…
The carotid arteries are the principal paired vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck, including the brain. The common carotid artery on each side ascends through the neck and divides into the internal carotid artery, which feeds the anterior cerebral circulation and the eye, and the external carotid artery, which supplies the face, scalp, and neck. The carotid bifurcation also houses the carotid body and carotid sinus, sensors that help regulate respiration and blood pressure. Because they are a major conduit to the brain, the carotid arteries are central to cerebrovascular health. Atherosclerotic plaque at the bifurcation narrows the lumen and can embolize, making carotid stenosis a leading cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. Carotid intima-media thickness, measured by ultrasound, serves as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and overall vascular risk, and endothelial dysfunction in the carotid and related arteries contributes to stroke pathophysiology. Assessment relies on duplex ultrasonography, CT and MR angiography, and measurement of risk factors such as homocysteine and lipids. Management combines medical therapy with carotid endarterectomy or stenting in selected high-grade or symptomatic disease.
7 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 7 articles above have been cited 22 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Carotid Arteries, linking to each citing work.