[Craniofacial growth influenced by blood supply. 1. Collaterals and anastomoses following unilateral ligation of the common carotid artery].

The influence of the blood supply on craniofacial growth was investigated in 396 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout). This was done by blocking the right common carotid artery of animals aged 42 d. The rats were slaughtered at previously specified intervals after the operation. The ligature led to dilation of the other major arteries of the neck. Numerous collaterals and anastomoses were also formed. These occurred on the ligature side in the flow region between the proximal and distal stumps of the right common carotid artery, between the flow regions of the right external carotid artery and the right vertebral artery and between the flow regions of the right subclavian artery and the right external carotid artery. Further anastomoses arose between the arteries of the other side, i.e. the rostral thyroid artery, lingual artery, submental artery and labial mandibular artery.