Anatomical Structure And Location Of The Arteries Of The Head

Description

Shown in a lateral head and neck model, the arterial tree is traced from the common carotid artery to its bifurcation at the carotid triangle into the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery. Superficial branches of the external carotid, including the facial, lingual, occipital, posterior auricular, maxillary, and superficial temporal arteries, course anteriorly and superiorly across the mandible, face, and scalp, while the internal carotid ascends deep to the mandible toward the skull base. Cervical vertebrae lie posterior to the vascular column, and the mandible, zygomatic arch, and cranial vault form the osseous framework surrounding the vessels. Small-caliber arterioles and accompanying fine neural structures appear as distal branches in the facial and temporal regions. Clear landmarks. Clinically, this arrangement underpins carotid endarterectomy planning, where the common carotid bifurcation and proximal internal carotid are approached along the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid while protecting nearby cranial nerves (most often the hypoglossal nerve and vagus). The external carotid branches shown at the mandibular margin and temporal scalp correspond to palpable pulse points used in trauma assessment, temporal arteritis screening at the superficial temporal artery, and targeted hemostasis during facial lacerations. Branch topology also helps explain epistaxis patterns via contributions from the maxillary system and guides catheter angiography when mapping head and neck tumors. Ideal for gross anatomy teaching of head and neck vasculature, surgical anatomy modules, and textbook figures illustrating carotid system branching, scalp blood supply, and clinically relevant surface anatomy. It also fits patient-facing procedural education for carotid duplex ultrasound or vascular surgery consults, where orientation to internal versus external carotid flow territories matters. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.