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DictionarycarotidMain artery to the head and neck
noun / adjective

carotid

kuh-RAH-tid/kɝˈɑtɪd/

One of the main arteries supplying blood to the head and neck, or relating to these arteries.

The diagram shows the carotid artery running through the neck.

A simplified head-and-neck cutaway preserves the recognizable carotid route and branching while replacing atlas-like surface modeling with visibly handmade editorial ink.
Etymology
carotidGreekgreat artery of the neck

The Greek artery name was linked to “plunging into sleep or stupor,” because compressing these vessels was believed to cause unconsciousness. That explanation may be folk etymology.

In context

The Dr. Bob Show0:00
what symptoms could people have if their carotid artery the one that supplies blood to the brain if it's narrowed
Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease

More examples

  • The scan examines both carotids.
  • The surgeon studies the narrowed carotid vessel.
  • A carotid artery supplies blood toward the head.

Forms

carotid · carotids

Similar words

jugular
A major neck vein rather than an artery.
artery
A general vessel carrying blood away from the heart.