What is a carotis externa?

Carotis externa is a term commonly used to refer to the external carotid artery, one of the main arteries in the human neck. This artery originates from the common carotid artery and is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the face, scalp, and neck muscles.

The external carotid artery has several branches that supply different regions of the head and neck. These branches include the superior thyroid artery, lingual artery, facial artery, and occipital artery. Each of these branches supplies blood to different areas of the face, scalp, and neck.

The external carotid artery is susceptible to various diseases such as atherosclerosis, which is a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to a reduced blood flow to the tissues it supplies. Symptoms of a blocked external carotid artery can include pain, numbness, or weakness in the face, scalp, and neck.

In some medical procedures, the external carotid artery may be used as an access point to reach deeper areas in the brain or face. However, any procedure that involves manipulation or blockage of this artery can lead to serious complications, including stroke or facial paralysis.