The carotid arteries are the main source of blood supply to the head and neck (see fig. 1 and 2). They also provide the main blood supply for the brain (see fig. 3). The common carotid arteries travel on both sides of the neck. These arteries will divide into the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain and the external carotid artery supplies blood to the face.

Figure 1: Location of the carotid arteries in the neck.

Figure 2: Close up view of the carotid arteries.

Figure 3: The carotid arteries and blood supply to the brain.