Final answer:
The facial artery is found in the submandibular triangle. It is a branch of the external carotid artery, which in turn originates from the common carotid artery. The internal carotid artery, not the facial artery, enters the cranium to supply the brain with oxygenated blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Location of the Facial Artery
The facial artery is located in the submandibular triangle of the neck. This artery is one of the major branches of the external carotid artery, which supplies blood to numerous structures within the face, lower jaw, neck, esophagus, and larynx. The external carotid artery itself is a branch of the common carotid artery, which bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The right common carotid artery originates from the brachiocephalic artery, and the left arises directly from the aortic arch. While the internal carotid artery supplies the brain, the external carotid artery, including the facial artery branch, is responsible for irrigation of various head and neck areas.
Answers to Specific Questions
- The facial artery is located in the submandibular triangle (c).
- The statement that the left and right common carotid arteries both branch off of the brachiocephalic trunk is false. The left common carotid artery arises directly from the aortic arch, whereas the right branches off of the brachiocephalic artery.
- The radial and ulnar arteries do join to form the palmar arch.
- The internal carotid artery enters the cranium to supply the brain with fresh, oxygenated blood, passing through the carotid canal and foramen lacerum (c).
Note that the inferior oblique muscle is an extrinsic eye muscle located within the orbit, responsible for eye movements.