Variations of the origin and branches of the external carotid artery in a human cadaver

Thwin SS, Soe MM, Myint M, Than M, Lwin S
Correspondence: Dr San San Thwin, santhwin@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
We report a unique variation in the origin and branches of both the left and right external carotid artery (ECA) found during the dissection of a human cadaver. Knowledge of possible anatomical variations of the ECA is especially important in facio-maxillary and neck surgeries. Surgeons need to be aware of the possibility of encountering such variations, as they may lead to difficulties in differentiating between the external and internal carotid arteries, and in identifying the branches and origins. This knowledge is also important for radiologists in the image interpretation of the face and neck regions.

Keywords: ascending pharyngeal artery, external carotid artery, linguofacial trunk, occipitoauricular trunk, superior thyroid artery
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(2): e40-e42