Carotid Sinus Nerve: A Comprehensive Review of Its Anatomy, Variations, Pathology, and Clinical Applications

Abstract

The carotid sinus nerve branches off the glossopharyngeal nerve just after its appearance from the jugular foramen, descends along the internal carotid artery, and enters the carotid sinus. There have been many studies of the pathway and the course of the carotid sinus nerve and its communications with surrounding nerves. The intercommunication is exceedingly complicated. Acknowledgment of its anatomic diversity can be important in specific operations dealing with this area. Herein we review the anatomy, variations, pathology, and clinical applications of the carotid sinus nerve.

Keywords: Carotid sinus nerve; Glossopharyngeal nerve; Intercarotid plexus; Sympathetic ganglion; Vagus nerve.