Definition

Noun: - A major blood vessel: The external carotid artery is one of the two main branches of the common carotid artery. Its primary function is to supply oxygenated blood to the structures of the neck, face, scalp, and tongue.

Usage

The term "external carotid artery" is used in medical and anatomical contexts to specify this particular artery and distinguish it from the internal carotid artery. - The surgeon carefully avoided the external carotid artery during the procedure. - A blockage in the external carotid artery can affect blood flow to the face.

Advanced Usage

• "Branches of the external carotid artery": Refers to the several smaller arteries that diverge from it to supply specific regions (e.g., the facial artery, superficial temporal artery).
  • The bleeding was traced to a rupture in one of the branches of the external carotid artery.

Variants and Related Words

• External carotid (noun): A common abbreviated form used in medical shorthand.
  • The scan showed a slight narrowing of the external carotid.
• ECA: A standard initialism used in medical notes and imaging reports.

Synonyms

• Arteria carotis externa: The formal Latin anatomical term.

Related Anatomical Terms

• Common carotid artery: The parent artery from which the external carotid branches.
• Internal carotid artery: The other terminal branch of the common carotid artery, which supplies the brain.

Noun

1. the branch of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the face and tongue and external parts of the head