Study of Branching Pattern of External Carotid Artery

Background: Anatomical information of vasculature is of need for the surgeons and radiologists. Carotid artery and its branches supply most of head, neck, and brain. Injuries to the external carotid artery and its branches is often complex and results in high mortality. Knowledge of types and frequencies of vascular variations of external carotid artery is of help for invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures. Materials and methods: 50 external carotid arteries were dissected to study the branching pattern of external carotid artery. Results: Conventional branching pattern was seen in 58% specimens. Superior thyroid artery originated from common carotid artery in 12% specimens. Linguofacial trunk was observed in 16%. Occipital artery and ascending pharyngeal artery rose from a single trunk in 12%. Origin of facial artery from maxillary artery was observed in one specimen. Conclusion: Study of variations in the branching pattern of the external carotid artery adds to the existing anatomical knowledge. Variations in the branching pattern is of definite help for interventional radiologists, vascular, craniofacial and neck surgeons. KEY WORDS: External carotid artery, Facial artery, Linguofacial trunk.