The human carotid arteries are a pair of major blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Each carotid artery starts from the heart, passes through the neck, and enters the head.
The carotid arteries run on both sides of the human neck and can be found roughly on either side of the midline of the neck. Specifically, the carotid artery is located in the front and sides of the neck, on the inside of the longus colli muscle. This is a very important artery because it is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The carotid artery is divided into two branches: the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. The internal carotid artery supplies the brain, and the external carotid artery supplies the neck and face.
To find the carotid artery, first find the Adam`s Apple. The Adam's apple is usually more pronounced in men and may be less so in women. The Adam's apple is a protrusion in the anterior midline of the neck, part of the larynx. Starting from the Adam's apple, slide your finger outward (toward the ear) a few centimeters to feel the pulse of the carotid artery.
The specific steps to find the carotid artery are as follows:
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Find the Adam's apple. This is a protrusion on the front of the neck and is easy to find. The Adam's apple can be found more easily by swallowing gently.
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Starting from the Adam's apple, use two fingers (usually middle and index fingers) to gently slide outwards (towards the ear). The sliding distance is about one to two centimeters. This location is the location of the carotid artery.
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Feel for a pulse. In this position, a regular pulsation should be felt. This is the pulse of the carotid artery.
In an emergency situation, such as when someone loses consciousness, the pulse in the carotid artery can be checked to see if the person has a heartbeat. However, great care must be taken as excessive pressure may block the carotid arteries, starving the brain of oxygen.