Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Carotid Sinus Nerve
Nervous System

Carotid Sinus Nerve

Nervus sinus carotidis

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Glossopharyngeal nerve.

Course: Runs inferiorly along the anterior surface of the internal carotid artery until it reaches the carotid bifurcation.

Branches: None.

Supply: General visceral afferents from the carotid body and carotid sinus to the brainstem.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

The carotid sinus nerve splits off the glossopharyngeal nerve early in its extracranial course. Shortly after the glossopharyngeal nerve emerges from the jugular foramen, or even at the level of the inferior ganglion of glossopharyngeal nerve, these fibers split from the main nerve.

Course

From its origin, the carotid sinus nerve runs inferiorly along the anterior surface of the internal carotid artery. It continues down until reaching the carotid bifurcation at which point the carotid sinus nerve splits into two terminal ramifications.

Branches

There are no named branches, however, the two terminal ramifications of the carotid sinus nerve extend to the carotid sinus the carotid body.

Supplied Structures

The carotid sinus nerve is a sensory nerve. It conveys general visceral sense fibers from the carotid body and carotid sinus back to the brainstem.

Fibers from the carotid body originate on chemoreceptors that measure blood O2 and CO2 levels. Fibers from the carotid sinus originate on baroreceptors that measure blood pressure.

Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products

Carotid Sinus Nerve

ScienceDirect image

The carotid sinus nerve, another branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, contains the primary afferent fibers of chemoreceptors in the carotid body and of baroreceptors lying in the carotid sinus wall.

Explore on ScienceDirect opens in new tab/window

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy