CAROTID ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The carotid artery is a major blood vessel responsible for the transportation of oxygenated blood to the head and neck regions. It is one of two carotid arteries in the human body and is found on each side of the neck.
The carotid artery originates from the aorta, the main artery of the body, and branches off into two main divisions: the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery. The external carotid artery supplies blood to the outer structures of the head and neck, including the face, skin, and superficial muscles. Meanwhile, the internal carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to critical structures within the skull, such as the brain.
The carotid artery plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal functioning of the brain. It delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain cells while simultaneously removing waste products. This intricate network of blood vessels helps to regulate blood pressure, stabilize blood flow, and promote brain health.
Due to its vital role, any obstruction or damage to the carotid artery can have significant medical implications, including the possibility of stroke or other neurovascular disorders. Therefore, diagnosing and treating conditions related to the carotid artery, such as carotid artery stenosis (narrowing), is of utmost importance in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CAROTID ARTERY
- xarotid artery
- varotid artery
- farotid artery
- darotid artery
- czrotid artery
- csrotid artery
- cwrotid artery
- cqrotid artery
- caeotid artery
- cadotid artery
- cafotid artery
- catotid artery
- ca5otid artery
- ca4otid artery
- caritid artery
- carktid artery
- carltid artery
- carptid artery
- car0tid artery
Etymology of CAROTID ARTERY
The word "carotid" derives from the Greek word "karōtides", which means "pertaining to deep sleep or stupor". This term is thought to have been chosen due to the ancient belief that compression of the carotid artery could induce unconsciousness or a sleepy state when pressure was applied to it. "Artery", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "arteria", meaning "windpipe" or "air vessel". The carotid artery was likely named so due to its position in the neck, resembling the windpipe.
Similar spelling words for CAROTID ARTERY
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