Branches Of External Carotid Artery: A Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT

Background: The common carotid artery (CCA) divides at the level of superior border of thyroid cartilage. Theexternal carotid artery (ECA) is one of the terminal branches of CCA. ECA gives three anterior branches, Superiorthyroid (STA), Lingual (LA) and Facial arteries (FA). Therefore the present study was carried out to describe thelevel of bifurcation of CCA, its relations with anatomical landmarks and the morphometry of anterior branchesof ECA in relation to bifurcation of CCA.Methods: The present study was carried on 30 sagittal head and neck sections. The level of bifurcation of CCAwas noted. The distances from CCA bifurcation to the superior border of thyroid cartilage (SBTC), angle ofmandible, ear lobule were measured. The ddistances of STA, LA & FA from CCA bifurcation were also measured.Results: In 16 (53.33%) cases the bifurcation of CCA was observed at the level of SBTC, 2 (6.67%)It was between SBTC and hyoid bone, in 5 (16.67%) below SBTC and in 6 (20%) at the level of hyoid bone. The meandistances from the bifurcation of CCA to the SBTC was 24 ± 0.95mm, to the angle of the mandible was 31 ± 0.86mmand to the ear lobule was 54.8 ± 0.96mm. The mean distances of STA, LA and FA from CCA bifurcation were 7.2 ± 0.2,12 ± 0.45 and 17.6 ± 0.48 cm respectively.Conclusion: The anatomical study of CCA is useful for angiographies, thyroid and head and neck surgeries. Incase of common trunks, stenosis or occlusion may cause severe ischemic consequences and prone toatherosclerosis.