What is the internal carotid artery and what does it supply?

The internal carotid artery is a terminal branch of the common carotid artery that supplies structures within the cranial cavity and orbit. It primarily provides blood to the brain and eye.

What are the main parts of the internal carotid artery?

The internal carotid artery has four anatomical parts: Cervical part (from origin to base of skull, with no branches), Petrous part (passes through the carotid canal in the temporal bone), Cavernous part (located within the cavernous sinus), and Cerebral part (ends by dividing into anterior and middle cerebral arteries).

What are the key branches of the internal carotid artery?

Key branches include: Petrous part (caroticotympanic and pterygoid branches), Cavernous part (cavernous, superior, and inferior hypophyseal arteries), and Cerebral part (ophthalmic, anterior choroidal, posterior communicating, and terminal anterior and middle cerebral arteries).

What is the clinical significance of the internal carotid artery?

It is crucial for stroke prevention and diagnosis. Carotid endarterectomy treats atherosclerotic narrowing, while obstruction can cause ischemic stroke. The carotid siphon in the cavernous part is visible in angiography.

Where does the internal carotid artery originate and terminate?

It originates at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage lamina (C3–C4 level) and terminates at the anterior perforated substance of the brain, where it divides into anterior and middle cerebral arteries.

What structures are located between the internal and external carotid arteries?

Structures between them include the deep part of the parotid gland, styloid process and attached muscles (e.g., styloglossus), and glossopharyngeal and pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve.

Internal Carotid Artery – Parts & Brain Supply