The Open Anatomy Journal

2009, 1 : 24-27
Published online 2009 December 31. DOI: 10.2174/1877609400901010024
Publisher ID: TOANATJ-1-24

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Unusual Origin of the Arteries in the Carotid Triangle of the Neck: A Case Report and Literature Review

Rao Mohandas K.G, *,1 and Rao Asutosh S.2
1Department of Anatomy.
2Department of Orthopedics., Faculty of Medicine., AIMST University., Semeling., Kedah., Malaysia

*Address correspondence to this author at the Faculty of Medicine., AIMST University., Semeling., Bedong- 08100., Kedah Darul Aman., Malaysia, Tel: +60164977261, Fax: 604-4298009, E-mail: mohandaskg@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Though the variations in the carotid arteries and their branches are common in the carotid triangle., it is important for the clinicians, surgeons and the radiologists to be aware of all possible variations of these arteries. A case of abnormal origin of 2 important arteries encountered during routine dissection of carotid triangle of the neck is reported. The superior thyroid artery that normally originates form the external carotid was seen to originate from the common carotid artery and the superior laryngeal artery was arising from the external carotid artery instead of the superior thyroid artery. Further, a detailed literature review was done and the surgical, radiological and clinical importance of the case was discussed.

Keywords:

Superior thyroid artery, superior laryngeal artery, external carotid artery, common carotid artery, carotid triangle, arterial variations in the neck.