Head and Neck Arteries Lecture Summary

Apr 27, 2025

Lecture on Head and Neck Arteries and Related Anatomy

Overview of Arteries and Veins

  • Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart (think 'A' for 'Away')
    • Example: Right and left common carotid arteries supply blood to the head and neck
  • Veins: Return blood to the heart

Key Arteries in Head and Neck

Common Carotid Arteries

  • Right Common Carotid Artery: Supplies blood to the right side
  • Left Common Carotid Artery: Supplies blood to the left side
  • Branches:
    • External Carotid Artery: Supplies the face and dental areas
    • Internal Carotid Artery: Supplies the brain

External Carotid Artery Branches

  • Facial Artery: Supplies muscles of facial expression
  • Lingual Artery: Supplies the tongue (dorsal and sublingual areas)
  • Maxillary Artery: Supplies muscles of mastication, teeth, palate, and nasal structures
    • Important for local anesthetic blocks

Local Anesthetic and Maxillary Artery

  • Infraorbital Foramen: Key site for injections
  • Branches:
    • PSA (Posterior Superior Alveolar): Numbs posterior teeth
    • MSA (Middle Superior Alveolar): Numbs premolars
    • ASA (Anterior Superior Alveolar): Numbs anterior teeth

Veins and Lymphatic System

Veins

  • Pterygoid Plexus: Meshwork of veins; risk of hematoma during injections

Lymphatic System Overview

  • Filters lymph (fluid from blood vessels) at lymph nodes
  • Key Nodes:
    • Submandibular Node: Drains gums, teeth, tongue
    • Submental Node: Drains chin, floor of mouth, and lower incisors

Salivary Glands

  • Parotid Gland: Largest, produces 25% of saliva
    • Stenson Duct: Empties near maxillary second molar
  • Submandibular Gland: Produces majority (60-65%) of saliva
    • Wharton Duct
  • Sublingual Gland: Smallest, produces 10% of saliva
    • Bartholin Duct

Root Morphology and Dental Anatomy

Root Structures

  • Anatomic vs. Clinical Root: Anatomic is fully covered by cementum
  • Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ): Junction where cementum and enamel meet

Tooth Roots

  • Maxillary Molars: Typically have three roots (anchored)
  • Mandibular Molars: Typically have two roots
  • Maxillary First Premolar: Unique with two roots

Concavities and Dental Tools

  • Root Concavities: Common in specific teeth, challenge for calculus removal
  • Dental Tools: Micro and mini curettes for small areas

Pathologies and Variations

  • Enamel Pearls: Calcified deposits, often mistaken for calculus
  • Dilaceration: Abnormal bend in tooth root

This lecture covered the anatomy and function of various arteries, veins, and lymphatic structures in the head and neck, emphasizing their relevance in dental procedures and local anesthesia.

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