Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
The retromandibular loop of the external carotid artery
Cătălin Constantin Dumitru1, Alexandra Diana Vrapciu2, Adelina Maria Jianu3
1Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest RO-020021, Romania.
Background:
The external carotid artery (ECA) is a major artery of the head and neck. Although numerous studies describe the variability of ECA branches, the course variation of the ECA was seemingly overlooked. It was aimed to study the morphological possibilities of the retromandibular segment of the ECA.
Method:
A retrospective study was performed on 60 computed tomography angiograms of 26 male and 31 female adult patients. Three types of retromandibular ECA were defined: type 1 - the ECA has a straight course deep to the anatomical plane of the ramus of the mandible; type 2 - the ECA makes a retromandibular loop directed laterally, extending externally to the anatomical plane of the ramus of the mandible; and type 3 - the retromandibular loop directed laterally reaches just behind the posterior margin of the ramus of the mandible.
Results:
Type 1 was found in just 43.33%, type 2 in 18.33%, and type 3 in 38.33% of 120 sides cases. On the right, type 1 was significantly associated with the male gender, and type 3 with the female gender (Pearson Chi2=10.9, p=0.004). On the left, there were no statistically significant associations (Pearson Chi2=3.5, p=0.153). In 20 cases, the retromandibular course of the ECA was asymmetrical; in 21 cases, type 1 was recorded bilaterally; in 5 cases, type 2 was bilaterally symmetrical; and in 14 cases, type 3 was found bilaterally.
Conclusion:
These previously undocumented types of ECA are relevant during parotid surgery and should be investigated preoperatively on a case-by-case basis.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs

