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Blood supply of the human carotid body

Atieh Seyedian Moghaddam1, Stefan H Geyer2, Berna Dogan3

  • 1Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, RPMI, MIC, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 13, 1090, Vienna, Austria. atieh.seyedianmoghaddam@meduniwien.ac.at.

Scientific Reports
|July 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study details human glomic artery anatomy, revealing their number, origin, and length. Findings enhance understanding of carotid body function and atherosclerosis impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular anatomy
  • Chemosensory systems
  • Carotid body research

Background:

  • Glomic arteries (GAs) supply the carotid body (CB), a vital chemosensory organ.
  • Precise GA anatomy is crucial for CB surgery and understanding carotid artery atherosclerosis effects on physiological regulation.
  • Existing anatomical descriptions of GAs require further detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide comprehensive, statistically significant data on human GA number, origin, topology, length, and complexity.
  • To generate high-resolution 3D anatomical data for GAs.
  • To challenge and refine existing anatomical descriptions of GAs.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) was employed for detailed imaging.
  • Amira® software was utilized for 3D reconstruction and analysis.
  • Statistical analysis was performed on data from 120 carotid bodies (30 male, 30 female).

Main Results:

  • Carotid bodies were located anteriorly (7.5%), posteriorly (66.7%), and superiorly (25.8%) to the carotid bifurcation.
  • CBs received supply from up to five GAs, with 25% supplied by one and 54% by two GAs.
  • Sixty percent of GAs originated from the external carotid artery; GAs were significantly longer in males and on the left side (mean length 2.36 mm, tortuosity 1.56).

Conclusions:

  • This study presents novel, high-resolution 3D anatomical data on human glomic arteries.
  • Findings provide a robust foundation for investigating carotid artery atherosclerosis and its physiological implications.
  • The data advances the understanding necessary for treating carotid body tumors and related conditions.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCarotid bifurcationCarotid sinusHigh-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM)

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