Superficial cervical artery

Superficial Cervical Artery

Superficial cervical artery (labeled as sup. cervical)

The Superficial Cervical Artery is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk, which is itself a branch of the subclavian artery. It supplies blood to the superficial structures of the neck, including the platysma muscle and the skin.

Anatomy

The superficial cervical artery arises from the thyrocervical trunk, which is located in the lower part of the neck. It ascends towards the surface of the neck, passing between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the scalene muscles. It then divides into several branches, which supply blood to the platysma muscle, the skin, and other superficial structures of the neck.

Clinical significance

Due to its location and the structures it supplies, the superficial cervical artery can be involved in a number of medical conditions. These include carotid artery disease, stroke, and neck trauma. Understanding the anatomy of the superficial cervical artery is therefore important for medical professionals, particularly those involved in surgical procedures of the neck.

See also

• Thyrocervical trunk
• Subclavian artery
• Platysma muscle
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Scalene muscles