Cental Vessel

• Carotid arteries


  Supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck
• Prolonged occlusion of the carotid arteries can result in serious brain damage
• Carotid pulses


  Correlate with central aortic pressure, thus reflecting cardiac function better than the peripheral pulses
• When cardiac output is diminished, the peripheral pulses may be difficult or impossible to feel, but the carotid pulse should be felt easily
• Bruit


  A blowing or swishing sound created by turbulence of blood flow due to a narrowed arterial lumen or a condition that elevates cardiac output
• Thrill


  A vibrating sensation like the purring of a cat or water running through a hose, indicating turbulent blood flow due to arterial obstruction
• Jugular veins


  Drain blood from the head and neck directly into the superior vena cava and right side of the heart
• External jugular veins


  Superficial and may be visible above the clavicle
• Internal jugular veins


  Lie deeper along the carotid artery and may transmit pulsations onto the skin of the neck
• Normally, external neck veins are distended and visible when a person lies down; they are flat and not as visible when a person stands up, because gravity encourages venous drainage
• Bilateral Jugular venous distention (BJVD)


  May indicate right-sided heart failure