Common carotid artery is palpable at
### Core Concept
The common carotid artery is a major artery that supplies blood to the head and neck. It is a continuation of the external carotid artery and is palpable in certain locations due to its location and size.
### Why the Correct Answer is Right
The common carotid artery is palpable at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, also known as the Adam's apple. This is due to the fact that the carotid bifurcation, where the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries, occurs at this level. The palpable pulse at this location is a result of the contraction of the common carotid artery, which is then transmitted to the surrounding tissues.
### Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
**Option A:** The common carotid artery is not palpable at the level of the clavicle, as the artery is not as superficial at this location and is not easily compressible.
**Option B:** While the common carotid artery does bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries, the palpable pulse is not located at the level of the carotid bifurcation, but rather at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.
**Option D:** The common carotid artery is not palpable at the level of the angle of the jaw, as the artery is not as superficial at this location and is not easily compressible.
### Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
The location of the palpable pulse of the common carotid artery is often remembered using the mnemonic "Adam's apple" to recall the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.
### Correct Answer: C. The upper border of the thyroid cartilage.