What is the name of the large artery in the neck?

The carotid artery is the large artery in the neck responsible for supplying blood to the brain, neck, and face. It branches from the aorta and travels upward along each side of the neck, where it bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery primarily supplies blood to the brain, while the external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck. This arterial system is crucial for maintaining adequate blood flow to essential areas, and understanding this anatomy is vital in law enforcement and emergency response scenarios, especially when assessing stroke victims or managing trauma.

The other options refer to different blood vessels or structures. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, but it is not located in the neck. The jugular veins are responsible for draining blood from the head and neck but do not carry blood away from the heart. The vertebral arteries are smaller arteries that run along the vertebrae and contribute to the blood supply of the brain but are not the primary arteries located in the neck region.