UNUSUAL  BRANCHING   PATTERNS OF EXTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY– LINGUOFACIAL TRUNK AND THYROLINGUAL TRUNK

DR.NAVAKALYANI.T; DR  JANAKI.V.; DR. VEENATAI.J; DR. GOWRI.I

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2016

UNUSUAL BRANCHING PATTERNS OF EXTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY– LINGUOFACIAL TRUNK AND THYROLINGUAL TRUNK

Dr. Navakalyani. T, Dr Janaki. V. , Dr. Veenatai. J, Dr. Gowri. I

Abstract :

Variations in the anching pattern of the external carotid artery are well documented as it is the main source of nutrition to the structures of head and neck. The present study was done on 60 dead foetuses to find out any unusual patterns of anching of external carotid artery as a part of post graduation research work. Cadaveric dissection was done according to the steps of Cunningham’s manual. The common carotid artery and its terminal vessels external and internal carotid arteries and their anches were dissected . Along with normal anching pattern, variations like linguofacial trunk, simultaneous origin of superior thyroid artery at the bifurcation of common carotid artery, superior thyroid artery arises in common with lingual artery, bifurcation of common carotid artery at higher level were observed. As these vessels show great variability, a better anatomical knowledge about these variations is useful to surgeons for ligation of the vessels during head and neck surgeries and for radiologist during the interpretation of angiograms.