<P> Only the left common carotid artery has a substantial presence in the thorax . It originates directly from the aortic arch, and travels upward through the superior mediastinum to the level of the left sternoclavicular joint . </P> <P> During the thoracic part of its course, the left common carotid artery is related to the following structures: In front, it is separated from the manubrium of the sternum by the sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles, the anterior portions of the left pleura and lung, the left brachiocephalic vein, and the remains of the thymus; behind, it lies on the trachea, esophagus, left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and thoracic duct . </P> <P> To its right side below is the brachiocephalic trunk, and above, the trachea, the inferior thyroid veins, and the remains of the thymus; to its left side are the left vagus and phrenic nerves, left pleura, and lung . The left subclavian artery is posterior and slightly lateral to it . </P> <P> The cervical portions of the common carotids resemble each other so closely that one description will apply to both . </P>

Which blood vessel gives rise to the right common carotid artery