Head and neck mnemonic

Branches of the external carotid artery

The mnemonic

Some Anatomists Like Finding Out Practical Medical Secrets

What each word stands for

  • SomeSuperior thyroid
  • AnatomistsAscending pharyngeal
  • LikeLingual
  • FindingFacial
  • OutOccipital
  • PracticalPosterior auricular
  • MedicalMaxillary
  • SecretsSuperficial temporal

Why it matters clinically

Needed for ligation in epistaxis and for tracing bleeding in head and neck surgery.

Where it stops being reliable

Gives the eight branches in roughly proximal to distal order, though origins vary; it does not give their territories.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Head and neck mnemonic?

Some Anatomists Like Finding Out Practical Medical Secrets. It helps you recall: Branches of the external carotid artery.

What does "Some" stand for?

Superior thyroid

What does "Anatomists" stand for?

Ascending pharyngeal

What does "Like" stand for?

Lingual

What are all the parts of the Some Anatomists Like Finding Out Practical Medical Secrets mnemonic?

Some: Superior thyroid; Anatomists: Ascending pharyngeal; Like: Lingual; Finding: Facial; Out: Occipital; Practical: Posterior auricular; Medical: Maxillary; Secrets: Superficial temporal.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Head and neck in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Gives the eight branches in roughly proximal to distal order, though origins vary; it does not give their territories.

How is this useful clinically?

Needed for ligation in epistaxis and for tracing bleeding in head and neck surgery.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Head and neck.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.