On the external carotid artery and its branches in hens.

The external carotid artery and its branches were investigated in hens by an acrylic plastic injection method. The common carotid artery of hens bifurcated into the internal and external carotid arteries at the level of the second cervical vertebra. The external carotid artery advanced antero-superiorly within the platysma, stylohyoid, and occipitomandibular muscles at the postero-lateral side of the pharynx. Thereafter, it bifurcated into the anterior palatine and facial arteries between the pharynx and capitis rectus muscle at the posterior side of the medial mandibular process of the articular bone. The external carotid artery sent out the following branches: the occipital, hyomandibular, anterior temporal, sublingual, anterior palatine, and facial arteries.