Great vessels of the neck Common Carotid artery (dave's notes)

Question 1

Give the origin of the left common carotid artery

Answer 1

Arises from the arch just past the brachicephalic trunk to ascend with the left subclavicular artery to the sternoclavicular joint where they diverge

Question 2

Give the origin of the right common carotid artery

Answer 2

The right common carotid artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk bifurcating behind the sternoclavicular joint

Question 3

What branches are given off proximal to the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic trunk?

Answer 3

None

Question 4

Where is the common carotid artery found in the carotid sheath, relative to other sheath contents?

Answer 4

The medial part of the sheath. The IJV lies further lateral with the vagus nerve lying in between.

Question 5

What is the common carotid artery lateral to?

Answer 5

The larynx and trachea

Question 6

What lies behind the common carotid artery?

Answer 6

The sympathetic trunk, outside the sheath.

Question 7

What are the surface markings of the common carotid artery?

Answer 7

SCJ to the greater horn of the hyoid.