A vessel that carries blood from the heart to the to other areas of the body.

Arteries that carry blood to the brain are the carotid arteries—one on each side of the neck—that divide into internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. The external carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the face, scalp, and neck. Carotid artery disease is a condition in which a fatty material called plaque (plak) builds up inside the carotid arteries.