What is the major artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the head and brain?

The major artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the head and brain is the carotid artery. This vessel branches into the left and right carotid arteries, which originate from the aorta and ascend along the sides of the neck. The carotid arteries are crucial as they provide the necessary blood flow that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which is vital for its function.

The aorta is the body’s largest artery and does play a key role in distributing oxygenated blood to various regions, but it is not the specific artery that directly supplies the head and brain. The subclavian artery supplies blood to the arms and parts of the upper body, whereas the brachial artery primarily supplies blood to the arm. Therefore, while all these arteries contribute to overall circulation, the carotid artery is specifically responsible for the arterial supply to the head and brain, making it the correct answer for this question.