Arteries of the Head, Lateral View

Description

Arterial trunks are traced along the lateral head and upper neck of an adult male, with the common carotid artery ascending anterolateral to the cervical vertebrae before bifurcating near the angle of the mandible into the internal and external carotid arteries. From the external carotid, the superficial temporal artery climbs superiorly over the root of the zygomatic arch into the temporal region, while the facial artery courses anteriorly across the submandibular area toward the perioral and nasal soft tissues. Bony context comes from the cranium and its suture lines, with the cervical spine stacked inferiorly and posteriorly. Clear landmarks. A lateral projection like this helps you teach where surface anatomy reliably matches vessel position, including the palpable superficial temporal artery just anterior to the auricle and the clinically relevant carotid bifurcation deep to the sternocleidomastoid. That relationship matters in carotid endarterectomy planning and in interpreting carotid duplex ultrasound, where plaque at the internal carotid origin drives stroke risk and guides intervention. The course of the external carotid branches also frames common bleeding sources in facial trauma and scalp lacerations, where the scalp’s arterial supply can produce brisk hemorrhage. Designed for gross anatomy and head and neck modules, this artwork also fits operative atlases covering carotid exposure, temporal artery biopsy for suspected giant cell (temporal) arteritis, and maxillofacial reconstruction where pedicled flaps depend on named facial vessels. It reproduces well in patient education materials when explaining pulse checks, arterial stenosis, or why scalp wounds bleed. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.