Word: External Carotid
Definition: The "external carotid" is a noun that refers to a branch of a large blood vessel called the carotid artery. This particular branch supplies blood to the face, tongue, and the outer parts of the head.
Usage Instructions: You can use "external carotid" when discussing topics related to human anatomy, medicine, or health. It is a technical term, so it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation unless you are talking about biology or medical subjects.
Example: - "The surgeon explained that the external carotid artery brings blood to the jaw and face during the operation."
Advanced Usage: In medical contexts, you might encounter phrases like "external carotid artery dissection" or "external carotid artery ligation," which refer to conditions or procedures involving this artery.
Word Variants: - "Internal carotid" refers to another branch of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain. - "Carotid" by itself can refer to either the external or internal branches, but it is often used in a general sense.
Different Meanings: While "external carotid" specifically refers to the artery in the body, the word "external" can also mean anything that is outside or outward-facing in other contexts, such as "external factors" (things outside a person or system that can affect it).
Synonyms: There are no direct synonyms for "external carotid" as it is a specific anatomical term. However, in a broader sense, you might refer to it as a type of "artery" when discussing blood vessels.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs related to "external carotid," as it is a precise medical term.
In summary, "external carotid" is a specific term used in anatomy to describe a blood vessel that supplies blood to the face and external parts of the head.