Abstract
Variations in the branching pattern of the external carotid artery (ECA) are well known and documented. The variation in the present case was compared with those reported before. An anomalous unilateral variation in the branching pattern of the left ECA was observed in a male embalmed cadaver. In this case, the ECA gives origin of linguofacial trunk as well as direct origin of glandular branch to the submandibular salivary gland, submental salivary gland and palatine glands from the external carotid artery instead of facial artery. The embryogenesis of such a combination of anomalies is not clear, but the anatomic consequences may have important clinical implications. Anatomical knowledge of the origin, course, and branching pattern of the external carotid artery will be useful to general, head & neck, ENT and oncosurgeons when ligating the vessels during head and neck surgeries to avoid unforeseen complication in the form of bleeding by injuring the abnormal arteries. It is also important for the vascular surgeons and radiologists while performing the procedures on the arteries
Published Version
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