Uncommon Anatomical Variation of the Facial Artery: A Cadaveric Case Report

Abstract

The facial artery is a branch of the external carotid artery, one of the major arteries supplying blood to the head and neck. The normal route of the facial artery follows a well-defined path. It typically arises from the external carotid artery, above the superior border of the hyoid bone. During its route, the facial artery gives off branches in the neck, mandible, buccal region, and face. This case report explores a rare anatomical variation of the facial artery characterized by an unusual termination point above the upper lip as the superior labial artery, found during a routine cadaveric dissection. While variations in the course of the facial artery are documented, this particular deviation, with its termination anterior to the typical endpoint, presents a unique anatomical variation.