common carotid

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Word: Common Carotid

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The common carotid artery is a large blood vessel in the neck. It runs upward along the side of the neck and then splits into two smaller arteries: the external carotid artery, which supplies blood to the face and neck, and the internal carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain.

Usage Instructions:

• The term "common carotid" is usually used in medical contexts, such as anatomy, health discussions, or when talking about circulation in the body.
• It is important to pronounce it correctly: /ˈkɒmən ˈkærəˌtɪd/.

Example Sentence:

• "The doctor checked my pulse at the common carotid artery to ensure my blood flow was normal."

Advanced Usage:

• In medical literature, you might see phrases like "stenosis of the common carotid artery," which refers to a narrowing of the artery that can affect blood flow to the brain.

Word Variants:

• Carotid (adjective): Referring to the carotid arteries (common, internal, and external carotid).
• External Carotid Artery: The artery that branches off the common carotid and supplies blood to the face and neck.
• Internal Carotid Artery: The artery that branches off the common carotid and supplies blood to the brain.

Different Meanings:

• "Carotid" can refer to any of the carotid arteries in the body, but when combined with "common," it specifically refers to the main artery in the neck.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "common carotid" as it refers to a specific anatomical structure, but you might hear terms like "main neck artery" in casual conversation.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "common carotid," in medical contexts, you might hear phrases like "clogged arteries," which can relate to health issues concerning the carotid arteries.

Summary:

The "common carotid" is an important artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain and face. It’s crucial in discussions about health, especially in relation to blood circulation.

Academic

Noun

1. runs upward in the neck and divides into the external and internal carotid arteries

Synonyms

• common carotid artery