Illustration of the arteries of the head and neck. These arteries carry blood away from the heart and supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck. The common carotid arteries are two of several arteries that supply blood to the head. The right common carotid artery branches from the brachiocephalic artery and extends up the right side of the neck. The left common carotid artery branches from the aorta and extends up the left side of the neck. Each carotid artery branches into internal and external vessels near the top of the thyroid. Other major arteries include the subclavian and vertebral arteries.