VESSEL PATHWAY
The common carotid artery originates from either the brachiocephalic artery (if it is the right common carotid) or is a direct branch from the aorta (if it is the let carotid artery).
Aorta → Brachiocephalic artery (only on right side) → Common Carotid Artery
![Important arteries of the neck (source)](http://www.stepwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fig4_arthead.jpg)
FUNCTION
The common carotid artery splits into both the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery (the supply blood to tissues within the cranium).
OTHER INFO
Page updated: 04.18.2016