Carotid Arteries & Jugular Veins: Anatomy and Location in the Neck

The largest vessels in the neck are the carotid arteries and jugular veins.

- The carotid arteries (left and right) carry oxygenated blood to the head and brain. They are located on either side of the trachea (windpipe), and can be felt pulsating on either side of the neck.

- The jugular veins (left and right) carry deoxygenated blood from the head and brain back to the heart. They are located on either side of the carotid arteries and they meet to form the superior vena cava. The external jugular veins can also be seen beneath the skin, particularly when an individual strains and the jugular veins become more engorged of blood.