General anatomy

Navigating the
Arteries of the Head
and Neck

(G1)

Prepare by:
Maged Hadi

Abdulrahman Fahd

Heba Fahmi

Magda Radwan

Fatma Omer ali

Mohammed Almuflehi

Mona Abdalmnam

Abdullah Wagedi

Mosea Hassan
Introduction to Arteries of the Head and Neck
Common Carotid Artery

Branches External Carotid Artery

Internal Carotid Artery

Vertebral Artery

Circle of Willis

Clinical Implications

Artery Health

Conclusion

Introduction to Arteries of the Head and Neck

The arteries of the head and neck play a crucial role in providing
blood supply to the brain, face, and neck.

There are several major arteries in this region, including the

common carotid artery, external carotid artery, and internal
carotid artery.
Common Carotid Artery
The common carotid artery is located on both sides of the neck and
supplies blood to the head and neck.

It branches into the internal and external carotid arteries, which

provide blood to different regions of the head and neck.

Branches of the External Carotid Artery

The external carotid artery is another major artery of the head and
neck. It originates from the common carotid artery in the neck and
supplies blood to the face, scalp, and neck muscles. The external
carotid artery gives rise to several branches that supply blood to
different parts of the head and neck region.

Some of the major branches of the external carotid artery include

the facial artery, the maxillary artery, and the superficial temporal
artery. These branches supply blood to the face, mouth, nose, ears,
and scalp. Any blockage or damage to these arteries can result in
serious health problems such as facial paralysis, hearing loss, or
vision problems.
 .

Internal Carotid Artery

The internal carotid artery is one of the major arteries of the head
and neck. It originates from the common carotid artery, which is
located in the neck, and enters the skull through a small opening
called the carotid canal. Once inside the skull, it divides into
several branches that supply blood to different parts of the brain.

The internal carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to the

anterior portion of the brain, including the frontal lobe, parietal
lobe, and temporal lobe. Any blockage or damage to this artery can
result in serious neurological disorders such as stroke, transient
ischemic attack (TIA), or cerebral aneurysm.
Vertebral Artery
The vertebral artery supplies blood to the posterior part of the
brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem.

It runs through the vertebrae in the neck and joins with the basilar
artery to form the Circle of Willis.

Circle of Willis
The Circle of Willis is a network of arteries at the base of the brain
that provides redundancy in blood supply to the brain.

It is formed by the joining of the internal carotid arteries and the

basilar artery, and it supplies blood to the entire brain.
Artery Health
Maintaining artery health is important for overall
cardiovascular health. This can be achieved through a
healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding risk factors
such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition, certain foods and supplements have been

shown to have beneficial effects on artery health. These
include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, and
antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables. Regular
check-ups with a healthcare provider can also help identify
and manage any potential artery-related issues.

Conclusion
The arteries of the head and neck are vital for maintaining proper
function and health of these regions. Understanding the anatomy
and function of these arteries is important for diagnosing and
treating various health conditions.

Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help identify

any potential issues with the arteries of the head and neck and
prevent serious health problems from occurring.