EXTERNAL CAROTID. 



247 



The External Carotid Artery 



May be considered as extending from its commencement, 

 Fig. 177.* which is on a line with 



the superior margin of 

 the thyroid cartilage, to 

 the neck of the condyle 

 of the lower jaw, or near 

 it. 



At first it is superfi- 

 cial ; but as it proceeds 

 upwards it becomes deep- 

 seated: and passing un- 

 der the digastric and sty lo- 

 hyoidei muscles, and the 

 ninth pair of nerves, is 

 covered by the Parotid 

 Gland. After this, it 

 again becomes superfi- 

 cial ; for, the temporal ar- 

 tery which may be regard- 

 ed as the continuation of 

 the external carotid, passes over the zygomatic process of the 

 temporal bone. 



As the External Carotid supplies with blood the upper 

 part of the neck and throat, the exterior of the head and face, 

 and the inside of the mouth and nose ; its branches must 

 necessarily be numerous, and must pass in very various direc- 

 tions. 



Thus, soon after its commencement, it sends off, in an ante- 

 rior direction, three large branches ; viz. to the upper part of 



* The carotid arteries with the branches of the external carotid. 1. The 

 common carotid. 2. The external carotid. 3. The internal carotid. 4. The 

 carotid foramen in the petrous portion of the temporal bone. 5. The superior 

 thyroid artery. 6. The lingual artery. 7. The facial artery. 8. The mastoid 

 artery. 9. The occipital. 10. The posterior auricular. 11. The transverse 

 facial artery. 12. The internal maxillary. 13. The temporal. 14. The as- 

 cending pharyngeal artery. 



