What are the carotid arteries?

Carotic Arteries: The human carotid arteries supply the head and the neck with oxygenated blood. The left common carotid artery originates from the aorta and the right common carotid originates from the brachiocephalic artery which originates from the aorta. The carotic artery divides in the neck to form the internal and external carotic arteries.

Supply brain & face: These are the 2 larger arteries in the front of the neck which supply the brain & face. Loss of reduction of supply to brain (clots) blocks blood flow to brain & though most not detected by symptoms, are the bases of most strokes (cva = cerebrovascular events). At the base of the brain, the 2 carotids & 2 vertebral arteries are typically interconnected, circle of willis, offering some protection.