Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

carotid
Pertaining to the carotid artery and the
area near that key artery, which is located in the
front of the neck.
carotid artery
Either of the two key arteries
located in the front of the neck, through which
blood from the heart goes to the brain. The right
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carotid artery
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and left common carotid arteries are located on
each side of the neck. Together, these arteries pro-
vide the principal blood supply to the head and
neck. The left common carotid artery arises directly
from the aorta. The right common carotid artery
arises from the brachiocephalic artery, which, in
turn, comes off the aorta. Each of the two divides to
form external and internal carotid arteries.
Cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of the carotid
artery can lead to a stroke.
carotid endarterectomy
An operation to clear
the carotid artery of buildup of cholesterol-contain-
ing matter along its inner wall. See also 
endarterec-
tomy.
carpal tunnel
A tunnel in the wrist formed by
bone and tissues in the palm side of the wrist that
provides passage for the median nerve to the hand.
carpal tunnel release
A surgical procedure to
relieve pressure exerted on the median nerve within
the carpal tunnel causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Surgical release is performed via a small incision,
using conventional surgery techniques or a fiber-
optic scope (endoscopic carpal tunnel repair).
carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression and irri-
tation of the median nerve as it passes under the
transverse carpal ligament in the wrist. Abbreviated
CTS. CTS can be due to trauma from repetitive work,
such as that of retail checkers and cashiers, assem-
bly line workers, meat packers, typists, writers, and
accountants. Other factors that can cause CTS
include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthri-
tis, and diabetes. The symptoms of CTS include
numbness, tingling, a “pins and needles” feeling
especially at night in the hand, particularly in the
thumb, index, and middle fingers. CTS can also
cause wrist pain, weakness in the grip, and a feeling
of hand incoordination. In some cases the pain
seems to migrate up from the wrist and into the
arm, shoulder, and neck. The diagnosis is suspected
based on symptoms, supported by signs on physical
examination, and confirmed by nerve conduction
testing. Treatment depends on the severity of symp-
toms and the underlying cause. Early CTS is usually
treated by modification of activities, a removable
wrist brace, exercises and/or manipulation (mas-
sage), and anti-inflammatory medicines. If detected
early, CTS is reversible. If numbness and pain con-
tinue in the wrist and hand, cortisone injection into
the carpal tunnel can help. Surgery is used only
when other treatments have failed. In advanced CTS,