The carotid arteries branch off from the aorta (the largest artery in the body) a short distance from the heart, and extend upward through the neck carrying oxygen-rich blood to the brain ... Recovery ...

Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MDMedically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD The middle cerebral artery (MCA) arises from the internal carotid artery ... in the head, neck, trunk, and arm.