The external carotid artery (ECA) is the major blood supply for structures in the head and neck. Typically, it has 8 separate branches; but there are many ana-tomical variations, making it difficult to predict surgical outcomes and complica- tions without 3-dimensional imaging. This case study focuses on a cadaver with multiple anatomical variations in the ECA, i.e., lingual, facial, occipital, ascending pharyngeal, and posterior auricular arteries, found during routine dissection of the right cadaveric neck. We also discuss the incidences of several other anatom-ical variations of the ECA branches and their surgical implications and potential complications. (Folia Morphol 2023; 82, 1: 205-210)
