Where is the carotid sinus located?

Aug 04, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Man

Introduction

The carotid sinus is a paired structure—one on each side—located laterally in the neck at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage. Its surface landmark corresponds to the mid-lateral aspect of the neck. To locate it, identify the point of maximal carotid pulsation while the patient is lying supine with the head slightly extended and rotated contralaterally. The common carotid artery is typically found between the inferior margin of the mandible, the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the lateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.

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-portion of the lateral neck. It lies precisely where the carotid pulse is most prominent. To locate it, have the patient lie supine with the head gently extended and rotated slightly backward. First, identify the common carotid artery—typically found just below the angle of the mandible, between the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the lateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage in the neck.

Once the pulsation of the common carotid artery is palpated at its terminal portion (just before bifurcation) and the origin of the internal carotid artery, slide your finger upward to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage—the site of bifurcation into the internal and external carotid arteries—where the carotid sinus is located. In elderly patients, vigorous or inappropriate massage of the carotid sinus should be avoided, as dislodgement of pre-existing thrombi may lead to embolic stroke.

The carotid artery is critically important; therefore, this area must not be pressed or manipulated indiscriminately. The carotid sinus lies superficially at the mid-lateral neck, approximately at the level of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage—precisely where the carotid pulse is most prominent. With the patient in the supine position and the head slightly extended and rotated backward, first locate the common carotid artery—found just below the mandibular angle, between the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the lateral surface of the thyroid cartilage. After identifying the pulsating artery, move your finger upward to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage—the bifurcation point of the internal and external carotid arteries—which marks the location of the carotid sinus. We hope this explanation proves helpful.

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