The carotid bifurcation is the anatomical point, usually at the level of the upper thyroid cartilage, where the common carotid artery splits into the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. This location is clinically significant because it is one of the most common sites for atherosclerotic plaque to accumulate, due to the turbulent flow patterns that naturally occur at branch points in the arterial system. During carotid ultrasound, the bifurcation receives particular attention, and sonographers carefully evaluate this area in both longitudinal and transverse views to document any plaque, measure the degree of narrowing, and assess flow patterns.
Sonography Term