External carotid artery the vagus, and part of the parotid gland. As the artery travels upwards, it supplies: The external carotid artery terminates as two branches: Several mnemonics are commonly used to remember the main branches of the external carotid artery. External carotid artery The external carotid artery is a major artery of the head and neck. It arises from the common carotid artery when it splits into the external and internal carotid artery. It supplies blood to the face and neck. The external carotid artery begins at the upper border of thyroid cartilage, and curves, passing forward and upward, and then inclining
Striate arteries Striate arteries Striate arteries or ganglionic arteries arise from the middle cerebral artery and supply deep structures in the cerebrum, including the internal capsule and reticular formation. Strokes in these vessels are common and can cause extensive damage. This is because emboli are carried up the carotid and tend to be swept into the MCA, sometimes called the "artery of stroke", and are prone to getting stuck at this branch point in the lateral sulcus. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a large-diameter vessel that branches at an acute angle from the internal carotid artery. The MCA passes laterally just