The Use of Anatomical Landmarks of the Neck to Locate the Common Carotid Artery for Use in Embalming

The common carotid artery (CCA), is typically used for embalming. It has a variable branching pattern, and for the professional embalmer, there is no consistent advice available as to what anatomical landmarks can be used accurately locate the CCA. The aim of this study was to identify a simple, easily identifiable and palpable landmark to easily locate the CCA for professional embalming within the university setting. We selected three donors from the regular stock at the University of Glasgow, and dissected the surrounding anatomy of 6 CCAs. We identified several landmarks to measure from to locate the CCA: sternoclavicular joint, laryngeal prominence and lateral border of the larynx. It was found that the CCA bifurcation did not occur lower than the superior border of the thyroid cartilage, was on average 2.03 cm from the sternoclavicluar joint and ran at leats 1.2 cm lateral to the lateral edge of the larynx. These values can therefore be used as a guide as to where to find the CCA, using easy to find anatomical landmarks, for the professional embalmer