Where are the carotid arteries located?

The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck, supplying blood to the brain, neck, and face. Each person typically has a right and a left carotid artery that can be palpated just beneath the skin, making them accessible for medical examination. Understanding the anatomy of the carotid arteries is crucial in various fields, including esthetics, where an awareness of blood flow is important for safe practices, especially during procedures that may involve the facial region. The other options refer to different areas of the body that do not contain the carotid arteries and highlight the need to know specific vascular structures relevant to the head and neck.