External carotid artery

Definition

The external carotid artery is a major artery that supplies blood to the face, neck, scalp, and upper part of the thyroid gland. It branches off from the common carotid artery and travels upward on the side of the head.

Related terms

Common Carotid Artery: A major artery that divides into the internal and external carotid arteries; it supplies blood to the head and neck.

Internal Carotid Artery: An artery that branches from the common carotid artery and supplies blood to the brain and eyes.

Carotid Sinus: A dilated area at the base of the internal carotid artery that contains receptors involved in regulating blood pressure