Common Carotid Artery (CCA)

• Origin and course
  • Right common carotid arises as a terminal branch of Brachiocephalic artery
  • Left common carotid arises directly from the arch of Aorta as a second branch
  • CCA terminates into external and internal carotid arteries at the level of Thyroid cartilage
  • At the level of division there is a dilatation called carotid sinus or bulb. This may primarily involve Internal carotid artery
  • CCA is contained in the carotid sheath which also encloses the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve.
  • No branches.
• Relationship
  • Internal jugular vein lies lateral to CCA in the neck
  • Esophagus, Trachea, Larynx, Pharynx and Throid gland are medial
  • Posteriorly lies transverse process of C4, C5, C6, Longus coli aand longus capitis muscles
  • Anteriorly Sternomastoid, Sternohyoid, sternothyroid and platysma muscles
• Supplies
  • Major portion of blood supply to the head and neck 

Left Common Carotid Artery (CCA)

• Origin and course
  • Left common carotid arises directly from the arch of Aorta as a second branch
  • CCA terminates into external and internal carotid arteries at the level of Thyroid cartilage
  • At the level of division there is a dilatation called carotid sinus or bulb. This may primarily involve Internal carotid artery
  • CCA is contained in the carotid sheath which also encloses the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve.
  • No branches.
• Relationship
  • Internal jugular vein lies lateral to CCA in the neck
  • Esophagus, Trachea, Larynx, Pharynx and Thyroid gland are medial
  • Posteriorly lies transverse process of C4, C5, C6, Longus coli aand longus capitis muscles
  • Anteriorly Sternomastoid, Sternohyoid, sternothyroid and platysma muscles
• Supplies
  • Major portion of blood supply to the head and neck