What role do carotid arteries serve in the human body?

The carotid arteries play a crucial role in the circulatory system by transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. This function is vital because the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to operate effectively and maintain its functions. The carotid arteries branch off from the aorta and ascend through the neck, dividing into the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery supplies blood directly to the brain, while the external carotid supplies blood to the face and neck.

Other options focus on different functions or systems that do not relate directly to the primary purpose of the carotid arteries. For instance, carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the role of the pulmonary arteries, while providing blood to the digestive system is managed by the mesenteric arteries. Blood pressure regulation is performed by various mechanisms throughout the body, including the actions of the heart and blood vessels, rather than a specific arterial structure.