A cadaveric study of common carotid arteries for the presence of additional branches

Introduction: The common carotid arteries with their terminal branches provide the major source of arterial blood to the head, neck and brain. Among the arterial branches in the human body, carotid bifurcation is particularly important to avoid fatal mix up with internal carotid artery which supplies brain. A profound knowledge of variations in branching pattern is essential during carotid artery catheterization, carotid endartectomy and in thyroid surgeries to avoid fatal complications. Aims and Objectives: Present study was carried out to observe the origin of additional branches from common carotid arteries, excluding the terminal branches. i.e. internal and external carotid arteries Material and Methods: The present study was carried out in a total of 54 common carotid artery specimens, dissected in 27 embalmed cadavers (23 males, 4 females). Out of these, 27 left CCAs and 27 right CCAs were studied in the department of Anatomy, J.J.M Medical college, Davangere, India. The specimens were studied by detailed dissection method. Results: In the present study, 51.9 0/0 specimens showed additional branches; superior thyroid artery being the commonest (40.70/0).Trifurcation, with the origin of ascending pharyngeal artery at the termination was observed in 1.9% of the common carotid arteries. Conclusions: In the present study, frequent origin of superior thyroid artery from common carotid artery at different levels was found. The incidence of STA origin was higher compared to other studies. Origin of inferior thyroid artery from common carotid artery is the rarest possibility. In the present study, two specimens (3.7%) showed the origin of ITA from CCA. Keywords: Common carotid artery, Superior thyroid artery, Inferior thyroid artery, Trifurcation.