Overview: Arterial Supply to the Head & Neck - Podcast Version TeachMeAnatomy 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The head and neck receives a rich arterial supply. These vessels perfuse the brain, face, scalp, and cervical structures. The arterial supply can be divided into three main components: Common carotid arteries – supply the majority of the head and neck Vertebral arteries – supply the posterior aspects of the brain Subclavian branches – supply the neck and surrounding structures In this article, we examine the anatomy of the arterial supply to the head and neck – including their course, distribution, and clinical relevance. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Carotid System Common Carotid Arteries The common carotid arteries are paired vessels that provide the majority of the arterial supply to the head and neck. The right common carotid artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk, while the left arises directly from the arch of the aorta. Both arteries ascend to the root of the neck, where they become level with one another. From this point, the arteries ascend through the neck within the carotid sheath, accompanied by the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve. They typically give no branches in the neck. At the level of C4, each common carotid artery terminates by dividing into the internal and external carotid arteries within the carotid triangle. Near this bifurcation are two specialised structures: Carotid sinus – a dilatation containing baroreceptors that detect changes in blood pressure. Carotid body – a chemoreceptor that detects changes in blood oxygen levels and helps regulate respiration. A more detailed description of the common carotid artery can be found in our dedicated article here. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The origin of the right common carotid artery from the brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid from the aortic arch. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The course and relations of the common carotid artery in the neck. External Carotid Artery The external carotid artery supplies the areas of the head and neck external to the cranium. After arising from the common carotid artery, it travels up the neck, passing posteriorly to the mandibular neck and anteriorly to the lobule of the ear. The artery ends within the parotid gland by dividing into the superficial temporal artery and the maxillary artery. It gives rise to six branches in total: Superior thyroid artery Lingual artery Facial artery Ascending pharyngeal artery Occipital artery Posterior auricular artery The facial, maxillary and superficial temporal arteries are the major branches of note. The maxillary artery supplies the deep structures of the face, while the facial and superficial temporal arteries generally supply superficial areas of the face. Internal Carotid Artery The internal carotid artery ascends through the neck (without giving branches), enters the skull via the carotid canal, and passes through the cavernous sinus to reach the intracranial cavity. Within the skull, it gives rise to several key branches: Ophthalmic artery – supplies the orbit, forehead and nose Anterior cerebral artery – supplies the medial aspects of the cerebral hemispheres Middle cerebral artery – supplies the lateral aspects of the cerebral hemispheres For a more detailed description of the internal carotid artery, see our dedicated article here. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 3Cervical course of the internal carotid artery. Clinical Relevance Extradural Haematoma The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery. It is unique as it supplies some intracranial structures (remember, the external carotid artery and its branches usually supply extra-cranial structures). The middle meningeal artery supplies the skull and the dura mater (the outer membranous layer covering the brain). A fracture of the skull at its weakest point, the pterion, can injure or completely lacerate the MMA. Blood will then collect in between the dura mater and the skull, causing a dangerous increase in intra-cranial pressure. This is known as an extradural haematoma. The increase in intra-cranial pressure causes a variety of symptoms: nausea, vomiting, seizures, bradycardia and limb weakness. It is treated by diuretics in minor cases, and drilling burr holes into the skull the more extreme haemorrhages. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 4Lateral view of the skull, showing the path of the meningeal arteries. Note the pterion, a weak point of the skull, where the anterior middle meningeal artery is at risk of damage. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas The carotid bifurcation and proximal branches of the external carotid artery. Note how the hypoglossal nerve crosses anteriorly over the external carotid artery. The carotid bifurcation and proximal branches of the external carotid artery. Note how the hypoglossal nerve crosses anteriorly over the external carotid artery. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Vertebral Arteries The vertebral arteries are paired branches of the subclavian arteries that contribute to the posterior circulation of the brain. Each artery ascends through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae (C6–C1), before curving around the atlas and entering the cranial cavity via the foramen magnum. Within the skull, they give rise to branches that supply the spinal cord, brainstem and cerebellum. The two vertebral arteries then unite at the medullopontine junction to form the basilar artery, which continues to supply the posterior cerebrum. A more detailed description of their anatomy can be found in our dedicated article on the vertebral artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 5Course of the vertebral artery within the neck. Other Arteries of the Neck The neck is supplied by arteries other than the carotids. The right and left subclavian arteries give rise to the thyrocervical trunk. From this trunk, several vessels arise, which go on to supply the neck. The first branch of the thyrocervical trunk is the inferior thyroid artery. It supplies the thyroid gland The ascending cervical artery arises from the inferior thyroid artery, as it turns medially in the neck. This vessel supplies the posterior prevertebral muscles. The transverse cervical artery is the next branch off the thyrocervical trunk. It crosses the base of the carotid triangle and supplies the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. Lastly, the suprascapular artery arises. It supplies the posterior shoulder area. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 6Lateral view of the neck, showing the thyrocervical trunk Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz Overview: Arterial Supply to the Head & Neck Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Rate This Article