carotid-, caroti-, carotio-
(Greek: karos, deep sleep, drowsiness; the great arteries of the neck)
2. Referring to or relating to, the right and left common carotid arteries, which comprise the principal blood supply to the head and the neck.
The left artery goes up directly from the aorta and the right one goes from the brachiocephalic (involving the arm and the head) artery. Each of these two arteries divides to form external and internal carotid arteries.
3. Etymology: from the Greek karotides, plural of karotis, from karoun, "to plunge into a deep sleep" or "into a stupor" via French or modern Latin carotide; since compression of these arteries was believed to cause unconsciousness (Galen).If this is folk etymology, as some etymologists indicate, the Greek word could be from kara, "head".
When the arteries become narrowed, the condition is called carotid stenosis.
Carotid artery disease takes place when sticky, fatty substances called plaque build up in the inner lining of the arteries.
2. Specifically, the common carotid artery, the principal artery on either side of the neck.
It contains cells that respond to changes in oxygen concentration in the blood and to changes in blood pressure.
2. A small structure containing neural tissue at the bifurcation (two branches) of the carotid arteries.It monitors the pressure and oxygen content of the blood and, therefore, it assists in regulating respiration or breathing.
Bruit refers to a medically significant sound heard inside the body; usually, with the aid of a stethoscope, and caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart or blood vessels.
The presence of asymptomatic carotid bruits increases when people get older, but it is not normally associated with increased risk for stroke in elderly patients.
2. A murmur heard over the carotid artery in the neck, suggesting arterial narrowing and usually occurring secondary to atherosclerosis.A stroke could take place if the narrowing is severe and the condition is untreated.
It is recommended for patients with headaches and neurologic symptoms such as transient ischemic attacks, hemiparesis, paresthesia, and acute speech or visual defects.