Where is the carotid sinus located?

The carotid sinus is located at the origin of the internal carotid artery. At this site, the arterial wall is slightly thinner and the lumen is mildly dilated, hence the term “carotid sinus.” With the exception of ruminants, nearly all mammals possess a carotid sinus. So, where exactly is the carotid sinus located?

Location of the Carotid Sinus

There is one carotid sinus on each side of the neck, situated laterally at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage. Its surface anatomical location corresponds to the mid-lateral region of the neck—specifically, at the point where the carotid pulse is most prominent. To locate it, have the patient lie supine with the head slightly extended and rotated contralaterally. First, identify the common carotid artery, which typically lies inferior to the mandibular angle, between the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the lateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage in the laryngeal region.

At the terminal portion of the common carotid artery and the origin of the internal carotid artery—i.e., at the bifurcation into the internal and external carotid arteries—palpate the carotid pulse and then gently shift your finger upward to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage. This is the location of the carotid sinus. In elderly individuals, vigorous or inappropriate massage of the carotid sinus should be avoided, as dislodgement of an underlying thrombus may lead to cerebral embolism.

The carotid artery is critically important; therefore, this area must not be manipulated casually. The carotid sinus lies superficially at the mid-lateral aspect of the neck, approximately at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage—precisely where the carotid pulse is most pronounced. With the patient in the supine position and the head slightly extended and rotated, first locate the carotid artery inferior to the mandibular angle, between the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the lateral surface of the thyroid cartilage. Once the pulsating carotid artery is identified, move your finger upward to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage—the site of bifurcation between the internal and external carotid arteries—which marks the location of the carotid sinus. We hope this explanation proves helpful.