Which vessel is responsible for the majority of blood flow to the face and scalp?

The external carotid artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the face and scalp. This artery branches off from the common carotid artery and provides several important branches that directly nourish the various structures of the face, including the scalp, jaw, neck, and parts of the ear. The superficial temporal artery, facial artery, and occipital artery are some of the branches derived from the external carotid artery that play crucial roles in maintaining the health and function of facial tissues.

In contrast, the common carotid artery serves as a major artery delivering blood to the head and neck as a whole but does not specifically target the face and scalp as the external carotid artery does. The subclavian vein is involved in draining blood from the upper extremities rather than supplying blood to the face or scalp, while the internal jugular vein plays a role in draining blood from the head to the heart, but it is not responsible for the blood supply to the facial structures. Understanding the unique functions of these vessels is essential for recognizing anatomical blood supply pathways in the context of esthetics and overall health.