Vessel
External carotid artery
Branches for the face, scalp, neck and cranial dura
High-yield
Learn eight commonly named branches, while allowing for shared trunks and variable origins. The maxillary and superficial temporal arteries are the terminal pair.
Overview
The external carotid usually arises at the common-carotid bifurcation and leaves the carotid-sheath course. It ascends through the neck toward the parotid region, where its terminal maxillary and superficial temporal branches diverge. Its branching network supplies extensive extracranial tissues and also reaches the dura.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the common carotid bifurcation; individual branch origins and shared trunks vary.
- Course
- Ascends in the carotid triangle, passes deep to posterior digastric/stylohyoid and enters the parotid region before terminal division.
- Branches
- Superior thyroid, ascending pharyngeal, lingual, facial, occipital, posterior auricular, maxillary and superficial temporal arteries in the usual pattern.
- Supplies
- Much of the face, scalp, neck, oral/nasal regions and associated glands; meningeal branches reach portions of cranial dura.
Mnemonic
Group the usual branches: anterior - superior thyroid, lingual, facial; medial - ascending pharyngeal; posterior - occipital, posterior auricular; terminal - maxillary, superficial temporal.
Clinical correlation
External-carotid branches can be involved in severe nasal bleeding. The superficial temporal branch is also relevant to giant cell arteritis and may be examined by biopsy as part of its evaluation. Connections with other arterial systems matter during vascular procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the external carotid artery originate?
Usually the common carotid bifurcation; individual branch origins and shared trunks vary.
What does the external carotid artery supply?
Much of the face, scalp, neck, oral/nasal regions and associated glands; meningeal branches reach portions of cranial dura.
What are the branches of the external carotid artery?
Superior thyroid, ascending pharyngeal, lingual, facial, occipital, posterior auricular, maxillary and superficial temporal arteries in the usual pattern.
What is the course of the external carotid artery?
Ascends in the carotid triangle, passes deep to posterior digastric/stylohyoid and enters the parotid region before terminal division.