Superficial Cervical Artery Research Articles

Branching Patterns of the Subclavian Arteries in German Shepherd Dogs

This study is the first report of the branching pattern of the four major branches of the subclavian artery in German Shepherd dogs. A total 116 subclavian artery casts made of silicon under mean arterial pressure were analysed. The casts were classified according to their branching order and the pattern of the first two branches of the vertebral artery and costocervical trunk. The three subtypes of each major type were based on the branching order or level of the next two branches (the superficial cervical artery and internal thoracic artery). Eleven of 12 possible subtypes were found in the samples. The number of dogs having the same branching subtype of the left and right subclavian arteries was not greater than those having a different subtype. The distance between the first and last branches of the subclavian artery was always longer on the left side than on the right. However, gender-based differences were identified neither in the subtype patterns nor in the distance between the branches. These results suggest a variable branching of the subclavian arteries with frequent differences of the branching pattern on the left and right sides in German Shepherds.

Including the platysma muscle in a cervicofacial skin rotation flap to enhance blood supply for reconstruction of vast orbital and cheek defects: Anatomical considerations and surgical technique

The surgical technique introduced in this work describes a modification of the rotation skin flap that includes the platysma muscle in order to improve the blood supply of the flap. This modified rotation flap enables sufficient reconstruction of extended regions following ablative surgery of the head and neck. The anatomy and clinical application of a bilayer cervicofacial skin-platysma rotation flap is described in 6 patients. Flap design ensures sufficient blood perfusion mainly via the occipital artery, the superficial cervical artery and the transverse cervical artery; venous drainage is achieved by the external jugular vein and by randomised vascularisation. The surgical procedures led to sufficient and successful reconstruction of the orbital and cheek region. Further oncological management, such as neck dissection and total parotidectomy could be performed through the flap approach because of the adequate exposure of neck structures. Due to the sensory supply reaching the flap dorsally, sensibility in the reconstructed region could be regained in all patients. This modified skin-platysma rotation flap represents an appropriate surgical technique for safe and simple closure of vast orbital and cheek defects with enhanced blood supply, which enables the extended mobilization required after ablative surgery of the orofacial region.

Trapeze-flap plasty: Effective method for postburn neck contracture elimination

The new method for postburn neck contracture management is presented. The method is found to be most effective when using the local flap procedures on patients who cannot undergo complex and long surgical procedures that are aimed at both contracture elimination and neck skin restoration (children, elderly patients, patients with inadequate donor sites, and patients with cosmetically acceptable scar appearance). The method consists of the opposite transposition of trapezoid scar-fascial flaps which are prepared one on each antero-lateral neck surface. Both flaps include scars, fat, platysma and deep cervical fascia. As a result of the trapeze-flap plasty, the anterior surface of the neck is lengthened approximately by 100–200%, the contracture is eliminated and mentocervical angle and head movement are restored. The flaps have reliable blood circulation through the superficial cervical artery perforators, therefore flap loss is rare. The functional results were good in 24 out of 26 patients. The flaps surface does not decrease; therefore, the mild contracture becomes an exception.

Branching Pattern of Aortic Arch in the Korean Water Deer

This study examined the branching pattern of the aortic arch and its major branches in Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus, Heude, 1884). Silicone casts were taken from the vessels of 23 carcasses (male 14, female 9) with body weights ranging from 1.3-16.0 kg through a retrograde injection into the abdominal aorta. The findings were compared with those from other domestic ruminants. Only the brachiocephalic trunk (Bct) branched from the aortic arch in all carcasses. In 19 of the 23 cases, the Bct branched into the left subclavian artery (LSb), the left common carotid artery (LCc), and then trifurcated into the right common carotid artery (RCc), right costocervical trunk (RCct) and right subclavian artery (RSb). The subclavian artery (Sb) branched into the costocervical trunk (in left), internal thoracic artery (It), and superficial cervical artery (Sc) in that order, and continued as the axillary artery. Instead of separated carotid arteries, the bicarotid trunk from the Bct was observed in only three males and one female. Two of these males had different branching orders of the It and Sc from the Sb in one or both sides. The other male had a RCct from the RSb. The left costocervical trunk (LCct) arose from the LSb in all cases, and branched into the highest intercostal artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the deep cervical arteries in that order, and continued as the vertebral artery. In 22 cases, the RCct branched directly from the Bct at the same point in which the RCc (or bicarotid trunk) and RSb separated. The artery branching pattern from the RCct was similar to that of the LCct. These results suggest that the Korean water deer has a Bct with different branching patterns from those of domestic ruminants.

Subgross and Macroscopic Investigation of Blood Vessels Originating from Aortic Arch in the Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

A total of 10 adult, healthy, male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) were used to investigate the vessels originating from aortic arch. Coloured latex was injected into the carotid arteries following conventional anatomical applications in all the chinchillas examined. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery arose from the aortic arch at the level of the second intercostal region in the thoracic cavity. The right and left subclavian arteries detached branches at the level of first intercostal region and divided into the following vessels: internal thoracic artery, dorsal scapular artery, vertebral artery, superficial cervical artery and axillar artery. The vessels originating from the aortic arch displayed some significant differences in chinchillas compared to rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, porcupines and other laboratory rodents.

Clinical and Anatomical Study of Superficial Cervical Artery Flaps: Retrospective Study of Reconstructions with 41 Flaps and the Feasibility of Harvesting Them as Perforator Flaps

The superficial cervical artery musculocutaneous flap was first reported by Nakajima and Fujino in 1984; the present authors developed it for use as a skin flap in 1990, and in 1993, they succeeded in harvesting it as a free flap. Since 1986, they have harvested 41 superficial cervical artery flaps of various types from 32 patients to reconstruct head and neck scar contractures and intractable ulcers. In a retrospective clinical study, the authors classified these 41 flaps into three types according to their pedicles: musculocutaneous pedicled flaps (n = 5); muscle pedicled flaps (n = 14), and vascular pedicled flaps (n = 22). In an anatomical study, they harvested 10 flaps from five preserved cadavers and took microangiograms of the trapezius muscle and dorsal skin to identify the distribution of the superficial cervical artery. Thirty-six flaps survived completely, and both the aesthetic and functional results were good. Among the other five flaps, partial necrosis was observed in four and complete necrosis was seen in one. Among the 36 surviving flaps, 23 were more than 30 cm long. The authors fully confirmed from their clinical and anatomical studies that the superficial cervical artery flap is useful for reconstruction of the head and neck regions. In each flap, the superficial cervical artery was found to be a "transverse cervical perforator" or "trapezius perforator" and was large enough to be used as a vascular pedicled flap, suggesting that it can be elevated as a "perforator flap."

Ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of direct cutaneous arteries used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs

To describe a method for ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic imaging of the 4 direct cutaneous arteries commonly used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs. Descriptive report. 20 clinically normal dogs. Dogs were manually restrained and fundamental and harmonic ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the superficial cervical, thoracodorsal, deep circumflex iliac (cranial and caudal branches), and caudal superficial epigastric arteries were performed by a resident in diagnostic imaging. The level of confidence in locating these vessels was subjectively graded as high, moderate, or low. High-frequency fundamental and harmonic ultrasonography was important for maximizing image resolution, and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography was important for vessel identification. The superficial cervical artery was the most difficult vessel to identify; confidence in correct vessel identification was low or moderate. The thoracodorsal and deep circumflex iliac arteries were identified with a moderate or high level of confidence. The caudal superficial epigastric artery was the easiest vessel to identify; confidence in correct vessel identification was high. Except for the superficial cervical artery, the level of confidence in correct vessel identification improved over time as operator experience increased. Results suggest that the combination of fundamental ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic imaging is an easy and noninvasive method for identifying the 4 direct cutaneous arteries commonly used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs. This method could be useful in planning axial pattern skin flaps, particularly in dogs with regional soft tissue trauma in which the integrity of the vessel is in question.

Autonomic control of bronchial blood flow and airway dimensions during strenuous exercise in sheep

Background: During exercise and recovery the transient and steady-state changes in autonomic activity regulating lower airway blood flow and dimensions are unknown. The aim of this study was to define changes in bronchial blood flow ( Q br) and dimensions during moderate and strenuous exercise, and to analyse the role of vagal and sympathetic nerves. Methods: Nine ewes (34–44 kg) underwent left thoracotomy during general anaesthesia (thiopentone/isoflurane) and either (5 sheep=Group 1) a pulsed Doppler transducer was placed on the bronchial artery, or (4 sheep=Group 2) a pulsed Doppler transducer was placed on the bronchial artery, and transit-time and single crystal sonomicrometers were mounted on the left main bronchus. These measured continuously Q br, bronchial circumference ( Circ br) and wall thickness ( Th br). Aortic pressure ( P a) and central venous pressure catheters were placed in the superficial cervical artery and vein. Trained sheep exercised on a horizontal treadmill, i.e. Group 1, moderate exercise 2.2 mph over 1.6, 6 min recovery, for analysis of changes in Q br before and after cholinoceptor blockade; Group 2, strenuous exercise 4.4 mph over 2, 10 min recovery for analysis of changes in Q br and airway dimensions, before and after cholinoceptor plus α 1-, α 2-adrenoceptor blockade. β-adrenoceptor systems were intact. Results: In Group 1 during moderate exercise P a and heart rate (HR) rose. Q br and blood flow conductance ( C br) fell immediately to 83% ( P < 0.001 ) before returning toward resting levels, but fell when exercise ceased to 89% ( P < 0.01 ) before recovering. Prior cholinoceptor blockade abolished the immediate fall in Q br and C br, but not the recovery vasoconstriction. Later in recovery the bronchial bed dilated progressively over 6 min ( P < 0.05 ) . In Group 2 during strenuous exercise P a and HR rose substantially. Q br and C br fell to 68% and 54% ( P < 0.001 ) , respectively, and there was early vasoconstriction in recovery. Circ br fell immediately and remained at 93% ( P < 0.01 ) , and did not recover fully when exercise ceased. Th br did not change during or after exercise. Prior cholinoceptor plus α-adrenoceptor block caused P a and Q br to fall slightly during exercise, but the bronchovascular constriction during and after exercise was abolished, as was circumferential shortening in the airway. Conclusions: At exercise onset and steady-state, resetting the arterial baroreflex upward in sheep increases parasympathetic cholinergic vasoconstrictor activity and causes bronchial wall and bronchovascular smooth muscle contraction in concert with sympathetic adrenergic constriction of systemic vascular beds. Whether the known sigmoid baroreflex control of tracheal smooth muscle tension at rest is extended to tracheobronchial smooth muscle and its circulation during exercise is yet to be determined.

The Superficial Cervical Artery Flap: Twenty Years' Experience and Development of the Flap

The superficial cervical artery (SCA) is a superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery. The SCA supplies the upper part of the trapezius muscle. Since 1986, we have harvested SCA flaps for the reconstruction of neck scar contractures and intractable ulcers of the parietal region. We developed the SCA flap for use as a skin flap in 1990, and in 1993 we succeeded in harvesting it as a free flap. We first employed the flap with a musculocutaneous pedicle, but later we developed the flap as a muscle pedicled flap and a vascular pedicled flap. Moreover, we have successfully employed the flap as a "Super-thin flap," and as microvascular augmented flaps for harvesting extremely large flaps safely. In the 1980s and early 1990s the concept of "perforator flaps" was unknown, but the SCA is now considered to be a perforator. Thus, we can call the flap the SCA perforator (SCAP) flap. The SCAP flap has a wide rotation arc and low donor-site morbidity, and our clinical studies clearly show that it is useful for reconstruction.

Arteries in the posterior cervical triangle in man

Due to frequent changes in the anatomical nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle (lateral cervical region), anatomical and surgical papers relating to these topics are sometimes difficult to understand and are hard to compare. These changes, coupled with improper knowledge of the gross anatomy and nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle, have presented difficulties in musculocutaneous flap planning, especially in plastic and reconstructive surgery. As an illustration of this concern, the term, transverse cervical artery (A. transversa colli [cervicis]), and its associated branches, have been used frequently over the past several decades with different meanings. In an effort to address this nomenclature challenge and to offer a rational basis for arguing specific name changes, a total of 498 neck-halves were investigated in Graz, Innsbruck, and Munich. Lateral neck dissections were carried out to expose the subclavian artery and those branches destined for the posterior cervical triangle, specifically, the superficial cervical artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the suprascapular artery. The course of these arteries and details of their origins and branching patterns were documented. Several arose either as direct branches or from trunks. The convention used in labeling trunks was similar to that described for other trunk formations in the body (e.g., linguo-facial trunk). Four trunks were observed and named according to the branches that arose from each. A cervico-dorsal trunk gave origin to the superficial cervical and dorsal scapular arteries, and was found in 30% of cases. A cervico-scapular trunk gave rise to the superficial cervical and suprascapular arteries in 22% of cases, and a dorso-scapular trunk provided origins for the dorsal scapular and suprascapular arteries in 4% of cases. A cervico-dorso-scapular trunk gave origin to the superficial cervical artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the suprascapular artery, and was found in 24% of cases. Each of these trunks, in turn, arose from either the subclavian artery or from the thyrocervical trunk. This labeling convention necessitated omitting the term, transverse cervical artery, because this term has become inherently imprecise and variously used over the years. This study describes a simple, uniform, and rational basis for standardizing the nomenclature of the arteries in the posterior cervical triangle.

Modification of the Superficial Cervical Axial Pattern Skin Flap for Oral Reconstruction

To describe an extended pedicle flap based on the superficial cervical artery (SCA) for closure of oral defects in dogs. Anatomic study; in vivo experimental study. Canine cadavers (13) and 3 dogs. The prescapular branch of the SCA was cannulated and perfused with a lead oxide gelatin mixture. The area perfused by 1 SCA was examined as was the rostral extent of the flap. Staged implantation was performed to evaluate flap performance in vivo. In stage 1, the flap was prepared for implantation into the oral cavity. In stage 2, the flap was fully developed to include the 1 degrees, 2 degrees, and partial 3 degrees angiosome of 1 SCA pedicle. The flap was transposed by a bridging incision and a parapharyngeal tunnel into the oral cavity. The flap was used to reconstruct a partial-thickness defect created in the palate. The territory of the contralateral SCA was captured in all cadavers. The full flap reached the level of the canine teeth in all cadavers. In live dogs, necrosis was not observed after implantation into partial-thickness defects and dehiscence was minimal. Loss of pliability secondary to de-epithelialization and staging resulted in a limitation of rostral reach of the flap. Whereas the flaps did not reach as far rostrally as anticipated, they survived well in the harsh oral environment. The flap may be modified to reconstruct full-thickness palatal defects. The extended SCA pattern flap may be adapted for closure of oral defects.

Reconstruction of a Skin and Bone Defect of the Parietal Region Using a Superficial Cervical Artery Skin Flap

Reconstruction of a Skin and Bone Defect of the Parietal Region Using a Superficial Cervical Artery Skin Flap

Ambulatory phlebectomy turned 2400 years old.

The pedicled lower trapezius musculocutaneous flap is a standard flap in head and neck reconstruction. A review of the literature showed that there is no uniform nomenclature for the branches of the subclavian artery and the vessels supplying the trapezius muscle and that the different opinions on the vessels supplying this flap lead to confusion and technical problems when this flap is harvested. This article attempts to clarify the anatomical nomenclature, to describe exactly how the flap is planned and harvested, and to discuss the clinical relevance of this flap as an island or free flap. The authors dissected both sides of the neck in 124 cadavers to examine the variations of the subclavian artery and its branches, the vessel diameter at different levels, the course of the pedicle, the arc of rotation, and the variation of the segmental intercostal branches to the lower part of the trapezius muscle. Clinically, the flap was used in five cases as an island skin and island muscle flap and once as a free flap. The anatomical findings and clinical applications proved that there is a constant and dependable blood supply through the dorsal scapular artery (synonym for the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery in the case of a common trunk with the superficial cervical artery) as the main vessel. Harvesting an island flap or a free flap is technically demanding but possible. Planning the skin island far distally permitted a very long pedicle and wide arc of rotation. The lower part of the trapezius muscle alone could be classified as a type V muscle according to Mathes and Nahai because of its potential use as a turnover flap supplied by segmental intercostal perforators. The lower trapezius flap is a thin and pliable musculocutaneous flap with a very long constant pedicle and minor donor-site morbidity, permitting safe flap elevation and the possibility of free-tissue transfer.

Subgross Investigation of Vessels Originating from Arcus Aortae in Guinea‐Pig (Cavia porcellus)

The vessels that originate from the aortic arch were studied in 16 adult guinea-pigs. Two major vessels, the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk, were easily identified as they were branching off from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk, at first branched off to the left common carotid artery and continued as a common trunk, which was then divided into the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery. The left subclavian artery branched off to the following vessels: the costacervical trunk, the internal thoracic artery, a common trunk from which the dorsal scapular artery and the vertebral artery originated, and the superficial cervical artery. The right subclavian artery branched off to the bronchoesophageal artery (in five cadavers), the caudal thyroid artery (in three cadavers) and the tracheal artery (in three cadavers) in addition to the above vessels. There were two vertebral arteries branching off to the right subclavian artery in all dissected cadavers. However, only 10 cadavers had two vertebral arteries originating from the left subclavian artery. The first vertebral artery originated from the common trunk, whereas the second vertebral artery arose from the dorsal scapular artery. The second vertebral artery entered the foramen transversarium of the seventh cervical vertebrae and anastomosed with the first vertebral artery just before entering the foramen transversarium of the sixth cervical vertebrae.

Reconstruction of axillary scar contractures—retrospective study of 124 cases over 25 years

We present a retrospective study of 134 axillae treated in 124 cases of axillary scar contractures with the use of skin grafts and various flaps over the last 25 years in our department. Free skin grafts were performed in 25 axillae, and local flap transfers including skin elongation procedures such as z-plasty were performed in 76 regions. As regional flap transfers, i.e. pedicled axial local flap transfers, latissimus dorsi flaps, para-scapular flaps, superficial cervical artery flaps (SCA flap) and bilateral combined scapular flaps were used for the reconstruction of 23 severe axillary scar contractures. Free flaps and scarring flaps were also used for five severe contracture cases. The results were generally satisfactory, but five problematic cases and seven cases of recurrence were encountered. In this report, we classify axillary contractures into five types and present our conclusions on the criteria for selecting appropriate surgical methods according to contracture type. Our results suggest there are four key scar features to be considered in the selection of surgical methods for axillary reconstruction: (1) size; (2) depth; (3) location and (4) shape. We also discuss and evaluate the various methods of reconstruction.

Analysis of Bronchovascular Downstream Blood Pressure Changes in Exercising Sheep

The relative roles of neural and pressure gradient factors, causing a fall or maintenance of bronchial blood flow in exercising sheep, are unknown. These were examined in sheep prepared under thiopentone/isoflurane general anaesthesia with a pulsed Doppler probe mounted on the bronchial artery, and aortic pressure (Pa) catheter in superficial cervical artery. After recovery, Swan-Ganz catheters were inserted under local anaesthesia into the pulmonary artery. Bronchial flow and conductance (Qbr, Cbr), and pressure gradients (Pg; i.e. aortic minus right atrial, Pg_RAP; pulmonary artery, Pg_Ppa; and, left atrial (wedge) Pg_LAP) were derived from continuous records, after switching between downstream sites during and after moderately severe treadmill exercise (3.8 km.h−1, for 1.7 min, 6 min recovery). The protocol was repeated after combined α1,α2–adrenoceptor/cholinoceptor blockade using phentolamine methanesulfonate and methscopolamine bromide. Bronchial flow fell in both receptor intact (INT) and (BL) blocked state. Pa rose in INT, but downstream pressures rose only 3.7 (RAP), 2.8 (Ppa) and 2.0 (LAP) mmHg (P for each <0.05) in both INT and BL. Pg_RAP and Pg_Ppa did not rise, but Pg_LAP rose 4.0 mmHg (P < 0.05). In BL, Pa fell, as did Pg_RAP (7.0 mmHg, P < 0.05), Pg_Ppa (8.9 mmHg, P < 0.001), but Pg_LAP did not change. Thus, downstream pressures change by small amounts, and pressure gradients to RAP and Ppa sites do not change during moderately severe exercise in normal sheep. The fall in Qbr in INT is due to neural factors, but in BL is due to a fall in Pg. The relative rise in Pg_LAP in both INT and BL favours redistribution within total Qbr to the pulmonary capillary/vein/left atrium site.

Gross anatomical study of the aortic ARC branches of the paca (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

It was described the distribution of the aortic arc in eight animals of the Agouti paca species, which were 2 adult females, 3 young males and 3 young females that came from the Wild Animal Sector at the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences of Jaboticabal - UNESP. After natural death, the animals had their arterial vessels injected with Neoprene latex 650® coloured by a specific pigment and set in a 10% formalin solution. After dissection, it was noticed that the aortic arc gives off the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk. The latter originates the left carotid common artery and other trunk, that gives off the right carotid common artery and the right subclavian artery, that originates the vertebral artery, the costocervical trunk, the superficial cervical artery, the axillary artery and the internal thoracic artery, as well as it happens in the left subclavian artery. In just one animal, the left common carotid artery takes a siphon-shaped path just after its origin in the right subclavian artery. In other animals, the left common carotid artery occurs as a straight path.

Ramos do arco aórtico de bubalinos

Os ramos do arco aórtico (Arcus aortae) em bubalinos foram investigados neste trabalho. Assim, foram dissecadas as artérias oriundas desse arco previamente injetadas com solução corada de látex Neoprene 650â (Du Pont do Brasil S.A.) em 20 fetos dessa espécie, machos e fêmeas com idades entre 4 e 8 meses de gestação. Em 80% dos casos, observou-se que o tronco braquiocefálico (Truncus brachiocephalicus) emite a artéria subclávia (Arteria subclavia) esquerda, artérias carótidas comuns (Arteria carotis communis) esquerda e direita, sem caracterizar tronco bicarotídeo (Truncus bicaroticus), e a artéria subclávia direita. As artérias subclávias direita e esquerda originam em comum o tronco costocervical (Truncus costocervicalis), a artéria cervical superficial (Arteria cervicalis superficialis), artérias axilares (Arteria axillaris) e artéria torácica interna (Arteria thoracica interna). Em 20% dos casos, o tronco braquiocefálico origina a artéria subclávia esquerda em comum ao tronco costocervical esquerdo; em seguida, emite a artéria carótida comum esquerda e termina trifurcando-se em artéria carótida comum direita, artéria subclávia direita e tronco costocervical direito, sendo que as artérias subclávias direita e esquerda têm origem comum com as artérias cervical superficial, axilar e torácica interna, com a presença do tronco bicarotídeo, característico dos bovinos.

Supraclavicular artery in Japanese: an anatomical basis for the flap using a pedicle containing a cervical, non-perforating cutaneous branch of the superficial cervical artery.

We investigated the morphology of the non-perforating cervical cutaneous branch in the lateral cervical triangle using 65 (130 sides) donated cadavers. We found the branch in 104 of the entire 130 sides (80.0%). In the majority (72.1%), the cutaneous branch did not cross the clavicle or acromion but supplied the dorsolateral cervical area. The branch was originated from the superficial cervical artery close to the posterior belly of the omohyoideus muscle and immediately lateral to the external jugular vein. The comitant vein, if present, drained into the external jugular vein. Our observations and measurements (length and diameter) suggested that the non-perforating cutaneous branch is useful for a pedicle of the dorsolateral cervical flap in Japanese people. However, detailed morphologies differ from the previous studies published in western countries.

Anatomy of Microvascular Anastomosis in the Neck

Structural and morphometric investigations of the vessels of the neck region were carried out on 30 cadavers (15 male and 15 female in the age range of 45 to 93 years old) to gain more knowledge of the anatomy for microvascular surgery. Our results briefly are as follows: (1) The non-common-truck type of the external carotid artery (in which each branch arises separately from the external carotid artery) was found in 76.6 percent of cases, the truncus linguofacialis type was found in 21.7 percent, and the truncus thyrolingualis type was found in 1.7 percent. (2) The smallest internal diameter (the average was 1.2 mm) was found in the superficial cervical artery. (3) The largest internal diameter (4.4 mm) was measured in the external carotid artery. (4) The longest arterial section (127.8 mm) was measured between the clavicle and mandibular margin. This vascular section or stem consisted of three parts: the supraclavicular part of the common carotid artery, the proximal section of the external carotid artery, and the first 3 cm of the facial artery. (5) In 46.6 percent of cases, the facial, lingual, and superior thyroid veins joined together and formed a thyrolinguofacialis vein. (6) The type with one external jugular vein accounted for 83.0 percent of cases, and the type with one anterior jugular vein for 67.4 percent of cases. (7) The middle thyroid vein exhibited the smallest internal diameter (average of 2.0 mm). (8) The largest internal diameter (7.9 mm) was measured in the internal jugular vein. (9) The longest vessel to receive a vascular pedicle vein was the external jugular vein, the average length of which was 99.7 mm. (10) The frequency and location of valves in the facial vein were also determined.