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Where do the common carotid arteries run in the body?

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Detailed anatomical illustration of the human thyroid gland and surrounding structures, showing the right and left lobes, isthmus, nearby arteries, veins, nerves, lymph nodes, and cartilage in the neck. — thyroid gland Human thyroid gland.

The common carotid arteries extend headward on each side of the neck. The left common carotid artery originates from the arch of the aorta, while the right common carotid artery originates from the brachiocephalic trunk.12

In relation to the thyroid gland—which is located in the anterior lower neck—each common carotid artery ascends the neck and typically divides into an internal and external branch near the upper border of the thyroid cartilage. The external carotid artery subsequently provides blood supply to the thyroid gland via the superior thyroid artery.123