Which artery, a terminal branch of the external carotid artery, supplies the parotid gland and emerges from its anterior border?

Explanation

## Arterial Supply of the Parotid Gland **Key Point:** The superficial temporal artery is the primary arterial supply to the parotid gland and emerges from its anterior border as one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. ### Vascular Anatomy of the Parotid | Artery | Origin | Course | Significance | |--------|--------|--------|---------------| | Superficial temporal | Terminal branch of ECA | Emerges anterior border, ascends in front of ear | Main supply to parotid; pulse palpable at temple | | Posterior auricular | ECA branch | Enters posterior aspect | Supplies posterior parotid and auricle | | Transverse facial | Superficial temporal | Crosses masseter | Supplies superficial structures | | Internal maxillary | Terminal branch of ECA | Medial to parotid | Supplies deep lobe | ### Clinical Correlations **High-Yield:** The superficial temporal artery: - Is palpable anterior to the ear (used for temporal artery biopsy in giant cell arteritis) - Serves as a landmark during parotid surgery - Can be injured during face lift surgery or parotidectomy - Provides collateral circulation to the face **Clinical Pearl:** Temporal artery pulsation is best felt between the tragus and lateral canthus of the eye — a key clinical examination point. **Warning:** ~~The facial artery~~ supplies the face superficially but does NOT supply the parotid gland itself; it emerges from the anterior border of the mandible. ### Mnemonic: "STEP" **S** — Superficial temporal artery **T** — Terminal branch of external carotid **E** — Emerges from anterior border **P** — Primary parotid supply