Head and Neck Anatomical Structures · USMLE Step 1

A surgeon ligates the external carotid artery. Which branch must be preserved to maintain scalp blood supply?

  1. Superior thyroid artery
  2. Lingual artery
  3. Superficial temporal artery
  4. Facial artery
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Correct answer: Superficial temporal artery

The superficial temporal artery supplies the scalp and must be preserved during ligation procedures. It is a terminal branch of the external carotid.

Difficulty: Medium Question 16 of 20

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