Which artery is responsible for supplying the anterior neck, face, and most of the scalp and meninges?

• A. Internal carotid artery
• B. External carotid artery
• C. Subclavian artery
• D. Vertebral artery

Answer: (B)

The external carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to the anterior neck, face, and a significant portion of the scalp and meninges. This artery branches off from the common carotid artery, which bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The external carotid has several branches that provide vascular supply to structures in the neck and face, including the facial artery, maxillary artery, and superficial temporal artery. These branches ensure that the tissues in these regions receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.

In contrast, the internal carotid artery primarily supplies the brain and eyes and does not provide the same level of supply to the anterior neck or face. The subclavian artery generally supplies the upper limb and parts of the thorax, not the structures mentioned in the question. Lastly, the vertebral artery primarily supplies the posterior circulation of the brain and cervical spinal cord, playing a minimal role in the vascularization of the face and anterior neck. Therefore, the external carotid artery is the correct choice for supplying the anterior neck, face, and most of the scalp and meninges.