Which artery supplies blood to head and neck?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

The carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face.
Each common carotid artery divides into two main branches: the external carotid artery (supplying the face and neck) and the internal carotid artery (supplying the brain and eyes).
This makes it the primary artery responsible for the vascular supply of the entire head and neck region.

Option A: The coronary arteries arise from the aorta and are specifically responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the myocardium, which is the muscle tissue of the heart.
Option B: The mesenteric arteries (superior and inferior) are major branches of the abdominal aorta that supply blood to the majority of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small and large intestines.
Option D: The intercostal arteries run along the intercostal spaces between the ribs. They supply blood to the muscles and skin of the chest wall and the parietal pleura.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Arterial supply to the head and neck helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Assessing the carotid pulse is a critical nursing skill, especially during emergencies like cardiac arrest, as it is a central pulse that reflects blood flow to the brain.
Carotid artery stenosis, a narrowing of the artery often due to atherosclerosis, is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Nurses play a key role in educating patients about risk factor modification.
What if? If a patient presents with sudden-onset unilateral weakness, facial droop, and speech difficulties, a nurse should immediately suspect a stroke, possibly related to a blockage in the carotid or cerebral arteries, and activate emergency protocols.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on anatomical knowledge.
First, identify the key anatomical region mentioned in the question stem: 'head and neck'.
Next, review the options provided, which are all different arteries.
Systematically recall or deduce the primary function and supply area of each artery listed.
Match the function of the artery with the anatomical region from the question. The carotid artery is the only one listed that supplies the head and neck.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QL3UI9zkqZIKYbTApwjBlU

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 171-173

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 24-26

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.