A cadaveric study on variation in branching pattern of common carotid artery

Carotid arterial system are vessels of head and neck region. Comprehensive understanding on its branching configuration is considerable importance to avoid accidental injury during surgical interventions. Common carotid artery (CCA) usually bifurcates into external (ECA) internal (ICA) at level upper border thyroid cartilage. Normally ECA lies anteromedial ICA commencement provides branches, but does not provide any branches in neck. In this case, right CCA bifurcated above cricoid cartilage divided two equal diameter a middle-aged female cadaver. Medial one branch it appeared pale. It continued upward, entered canal was confirmed as ICA. The found lateral both origin course. provided lingual, facial occipital branches. Superior identified, might be accidently damaged dissection. noticed content sheath. Vagus nerve first between IJV subsequently located ECA. Third aortic arch contributed development CCA, leading part entire Remaining developed from cranial portion dorsal aorta. Therefore, embryological deficiency third arch, aorta or changes inside may lead alteration position these vessels. Understanding vascular anatomy vital precise interpretation radiological images surgeries.