## Arterial Supply of the Parotid Gland **Key Point:** The external carotid artery is the primary source of blood supply to the parotid gland. It enters the gland and divides into its terminal branches within the gland substance. ### Vascular Anatomy of Parotid #### Primary Supply The **external carotid artery** is the main arterial trunk supplying the parotid gland: 1. Enters the parotid gland at its deep surface 2. Ascends through the gland substance 3. Divides into terminal branches within the gland 4. Terminal branches: superficial temporal and maxillary arteries #### Relationship to Facial Nerve | Structure | Relationship | | --- | --- | | **External carotid artery** | Lies medial to facial nerve | | **Superficial temporal artery** | Branch of external carotid; runs with auriculotemporal nerve | | **Maxillary artery** | Branch of external carotid; enters infratemporal fossa | | **Facial artery** | Crosses external carotid; exits at anterior border | **High-Yield:** The external carotid artery is the PRIMARY source — it is the trunk from which branches arise. The superficial temporal and maxillary arteries are terminal branches of the external carotid, not primary supplies. **Clinical Pearl:** During parotid surgery, the external carotid artery must be identified and ligated if hemorrhage occurs. The superficial temporal artery can be palpated anterior to the ear and is used as a pulse point. **Mnemonic:** **ECA supplies Parotid** — External Carotid Artery is the main trunk entering the parotid gland. 
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