Assessment of Anatomical Variations in the Branches of External Carotid Artery

Background:The external carotid artery (ECA) and its branches serve as the major vascular channels of the head and neck region. The present study was conducted to assess anatomical variations in the branches of external carotid artery. Materials & Methods: 60 neck-halves of embalmed cadavers were taken and variation in ECA was determined. Results: Average length of the external carotid artery from its origin by bifurcation of the common carotid artery to itstermination is 8.2 cm on the right side and 8.0 cm on the left side.Common variation was thyrolingual trunk in 6, direct origin of STA from CCA in 10, linguofacial trunk in 25, occipito-auricular trunk in 4, thyrolinguofacial trunk in 5, accessory branches of ECA in 3, SLA direct branch of ECA in 2, terminal trifurcation of ECA in 4 and sternocleidomastoid branch from CCA in 1 cadaver. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: External carotid artery shows variations in its branching. A thorough knowledge is must to avoid intra-operative secondary haemorrhage and post-operative complications.