Carotid arteries

Question 1

Describe the branches off the aortic arch

Answer 1

On the right side, you have the left subclavian artery and the left common carotid artery.

On the left, you have the brachiocephalic artery that branches into the right common carotid artier and the right subclavian artery.

The common carotid arteries then branch into the external and internal carotid arteries.

Question 2

How many branches does the external carotid artery have? (same on each side)

Answer 2

Each carotid artery has 6 branches, and 2 terminating branches.

Only need to know the 2 that supply the eye with blood. This includes-

1. Facial artery. The angular branch off of it anastomoses with the dorsal nasal artery from the ophthalmic artery and it innervates the medial lower lid and lacrimal sac.
2. Maxillary artery (terminal branch)

Question 3

Only 2 branches from the external carotid that supplies the eyes

Answer 3

1. Facial artery. The angular branch off of it anastomoses with the dorsal nasal artery from the ophthalmic artery and it innervates the medial lower lid and lacrimal sac.
2. Maxillary artery (terminal branch)

Question 4

Anastomoses and example

Answer 4

Joining

Angular branch from the facial artery joining with the dorsalnasal artery from the ophthalmic artery

Question 5

Internal carotid supplies blood to ___

Answer 5

Most of the anterior portion of the cerebrum. There are 4 different sections-

1. Cervical
2. Petrous
3. Cavernous
4. Cerebral

Question 6

Pathway the internal carotid artery takes including the 4 sections

Answer 6

1. Cervical: Artery travels upward in the neck
2. Petrous: Artery enters the skull at the carotid canal near the petrous part of the temporal bone. IT ascends a short distance through the canal , then curves anteriorly and medially.
3. Cavernous: The artery enters the cavernous sinus, which is a plexus or network of veins. The artery corses forward along the medial wall beside the sphenoid bone and exits the roof of the sinus between CNII (optic chiasm) and CNIII (oculomotor)
4. Cerebral: After exiting the cavernous sinus, it gives off 10 terminal branches.

Question 7

Is the optic chiasm CN II

Answer 7

Yes, it is.

Question 8

If there is blockage to the left carotid artery, will you lose vision in both eyes?

Answer 8

No, you will only lose vision in the left eye since there is a right and left blood supply.