internal carotid artery

The internal carotid artery is a major blood vessel in the neck that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It starts from the common carotid artery in your neck and ascends towards the head, entering the skull through a natural opening. Inside the skull, it branches into smaller arteries that deliver blood to various parts of the brain, supporting functions like thinking, movement, and sensation. Because it plays a critical role in brain health, any blockage or narrowing of this artery can increase the risk of strokes or other neurological problems.