A 60-year-old with longstanding hypertension is found on CT to have a calcified atherosclerotic plaque at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. At which vertebral level does this bifurcation typically occur as a surface anatomy landmark?

• A Upper border of thyroid cartilage (C3–C4 junction) ✓
• B Lower border of C3
• C Cricoid cartilage level (C6)
• D Hyoid bone level (C3)

Explanation

The common carotid artery classically bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, corresponding to the C3–C4 vertebral junction. This is a key surface anatomy landmark in surgical approaches to the neck. The carotid sinus and carotid body are located at this bifurcation. The cricoid (C6) marks the origin of the trachea and oesophagus, while the hyoid is at C3.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.