American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

In Zone 3 of the neck, which extends from the level of the clavicles to the inferior border of the mandible, the primary anatomical vessels involved are the Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and the External Carotid Artery (ECA). This area of the neck is crucial for vascular assessment and surgical consideration because it contains significant arteries that supply the brain and face.

The Internal Carotid Artery is responsible for supplying blood to the brain, and any injury to it in this zone can lead to severe neurological consequences due to compromised cerebral blood flow. The External Carotid Artery provides blood supply to the face and neck, and injuries or surgical interventions affecting this vessel can lead to significant blood loss or ischemia to the regions it supplies.

Understanding the vascular anatomy within Zone 3 is vital for addressing various clinical scenarios, including trauma, surgical interventions, and the management of vascular lesions. The proximity of these vessels to other structures further complicates surgical or interventional approaches, making precise knowledge essential for safe practice.