Left common carotid artery

The left common carotid artery is a cranially directed arterial trunk that divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. It supplies arterial blood to the structures of the head and part of the neck.

It arises from the brachiocephalic trunk, either directly or through a bicarotid trunk when present. The bicarotid trunk is typically found in domestic carnivores and may occur more exceptionally in pigs, horses, and ruminants.