Which medical term describes an abnormal sound heard over the carotid arteries?

The term that refers specifically to an abnormal sound heard over the carotid arteries is "bruit." This sound is often indicative of turbulent blood flow, typically caused by the narrowing of arteries due to conditions such as atherosclerosis. In clinical practice, a bruit is detected through auscultation with a stethoscope, and its presence can alert healthcare providers to potential vascular issues in the patient.

In contrast, the other terms listed have distinct meanings that do not pertain to abnormal sounds over the carotid arteries. "Transverse" relates generally to orientation in anatomy or imaging, "bradycardia" refers to a slower than normal heart rate, and "Kernig" is associated with a specific clinical sign indicating meningitis. Each of these terms describes a different concept within the medical field, highlighting the precise nature of the term "bruit" in assessing cardiovascular health.