What is the external carotid artery and where does it originate?

The external carotid artery is a terminal branch of the common carotid artery. It begins at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage and supplies structures external to the cranium and the anterior neck.

What are the main branches of the external carotid artery?

It gives eight branches: superior thyroid artery, ascending pharyngeal artery, lingual artery, facial artery, occipital artery, posterior auricular artery, maxillary artery, and superficial temporal artery, often remembered by the mnemonic 'Some Anatomists Like Freaking Out Poor Medical Students'.

Where does the external carotid artery terminate?

It terminates within the parotid gland by dividing into its two terminal branches: the superficial temporal artery and the maxillary artery.

What structures does the external carotid artery supply?

It supplies most structures external to the cranium and the anterior part of the neck, including the face, tongue, thyroid gland, and scalp through its various branches.

What is the clinical significance of the superficial temporal artery?

The superficial temporal artery is known as the 'Anesthetist's artery' because its pulse can be felt anterior to the tragus (preauricular point), making it useful for clinical assessments.

How does the lingual artery supply the tongue?

The lingual artery is the main artery of the tongue. It has three parts: the first forms an upward loop crossed by the hypoglossal nerve, the second runs deep to the hyoglossus muscle, and the third becomes the deep lingual artery on the tongue's undersurface.

What is the role of the occipital artery in collateral circulation?

The occipital artery contributes to collateral circulation through its descending branch, which connects with the subclavian artery system, helping maintain blood flow in case of blockages.

External Carotid Artery – 8 Branches & Supply

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