Question

The common carotid reaches the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, where it forms a dilation known as the

A. carotid sinus
B. carotid body
C. carotid bulb
D. external carotid

Answer 1

The dilation formed by the common carotid artery at the level of the thyroid cartilage is known as the carotid sinus, an important structure that houses receptors for regulating cardiovascular homeostasis.

So, the correct answer is A. carotid sinus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dilation at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage where the common carotid artery forms is known as the carotid sinus. This structure is significant as it contains baroreceptors and chemoreceptors critical for cardiovascular homeostasis. Both the right and left common carotid arteries arise from different origins, with the right coming from the brachiocephalic artery and the left directly from the aortic arch. They divide into external and internal carotid arteries, where the internal carotid artery begins with the carotid sinus, travels through the carotid canal, and supplies blood to the brain.

So, the correct answer is A. carotid sinus.