Where it is
Each common carotid artery runs up the side of the neck, beside the trachea, and divides at the level of the thyroid cartilage into internal (brain) and external (face and scalp) carotid arteries.
What it does
Delivers most of the blood flow to the brain. The carotid sinus at the bifurcation senses blood pressure and helps regulate heart rate.
Clinical relevance
- The carotid pulse is checked in unresponsive adults during CPR.
- Carotid stenosis can cause transient ischemic attacks and strokes; a bruit may be heard.
Nursing focus
- Palpate one carotid artery at a time, never both, and avoid massaging it (it can cause bradycardia).
- After carotid endarterectomy, monitor neurologic status and airway (neck swelling).