Study for the Missouri EFDA Basic Skills Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Which artery provides blood supply to the oral cavity?

The blood supply to the oral cavity comes from arteries that originate in the carotid system in the neck. The common carotid artery splits into the external and internal branches; the internal carotid mainly goes to the brain, while the external carotid sends off arteries that actually feed the mouth. The facial artery, a branch of the external carotid, supplies much of the lips and gingiva, and the maxillary artery (also from the external carotid) supplies the hard palate, upper teeth, and much of the surrounding tissues. Because these oral tissues receive their arterial blood through branches of the carotid system, the carotid pathway is the correct source. The aorta is the broader trunk of circulation, and the jugular is a vein, not an artery.

The blood supply to the oral cavity comes from arteries that originate in the carotid system in the neck. The common carotid artery splits into the external and internal branches; the internal carotid mainly goes to the brain, while the external carotid sends off arteries that actually feed the mouth. The facial artery, a branch of the external carotid, supplies much of the lips and gingiva, and the maxillary artery (also from the external carotid) supplies the hard palate, upper teeth, and much of the surrounding tissues. Because these oral tissues receive their arterial blood through branches of the carotid system, the carotid pathway is the correct source. The aorta is the broader trunk of circulation, and the jugular is a vein, not an artery.