Carotid Arteries

The largest artery in the body is the aorta which carries oxygenated blood away from the left ventricle of the heart out to the rest of the body. Branching off of the anterior aorta, the carotid arteries supply blood to the right and left side of the head and neck. These two arteries are located lateral to each side of the trachea. As the aorta travels down into the abdominal cavity, it branches to bring oxygenated blood to the stomach, spleen, liver, and duodenum (coelic artery), to the pancreas, small intestine, and colon (anterior mesenteric artery) and to the kidneys (renal arteries). Arteries have thick walls and narrow lumens that can constrict and dilate to control the speed and pressure of blood flow.