The contribution of the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery, superior arterial pedicle (SAP), to the irrigation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was evaluated in fresh human cadavers by injecting Neoprene-latex for minute dissection. From its insertion in the mastoid process of the temporal bone, the SCM was divided into six levels. The Neoprene-latex injected into the SAP reached the upper three levels in all SCMs studied, which corresponds to the middle part of the studied SCM. In 43.3% of the SCM, this branch reached level four and in 36.6%, it reached level five.
SUMMARY: The contribution of the sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery (superior arterial pedicle -SAP) to the irrigation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was evaluated in fresh human cadavers by injecting radiological dye and a resin for microvasculature corrosion casts. From its insertion in the mastoid process of the temporal bone, the SCM was divided into superior, medium, and inferior thirds. In most of the SCM, The SAP are formed by two longitudinal parallel branches. In all specimens, the radiological dye injected into the SAP reached or trespassed the middle part of the studied SCM. The SAP was poorly distributed in the lowermost region of the inferior third of the SCM, suggesting the contribution of other arteries or pedicles. The corrosion casts of the microvasculature showed a profuse network of microscopic vessels in those levels where the SAP was detected.DESCRIPTORS: Sternocleidomastoid muscle. Occipital artery. Microvascularization. Scanning
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