[Anatomy, variations and malformations of the vessels of the head and neck region (author's transl)].

After a short review of developmental data concerning the head and neck arteries, the normal conditions, variations and malformations of single arteries are described. Special attention is paied to the skeletotopic and topographic relations of the arteries. In every bigger vessel its length, position, origin and branches are described, and in most cases are also demonstrated by diagrams and tables. As the aortic arch may also reach the neck region, its variation and malformations as well as the variations of its branches are mentioned. The variations and the malformations of the inominate artery, of the common carotid artery, as well as of the external and internal carotid arteries are described. The practical importance of these variations is stressed. Upon description of variations and malformations anatomical, surgical und roentgenological findings described in literature, as well as personal experiences are considered. Special attention has been paied to the variations of the circulus arteriosus Willisi, to the persistence of the presegmental arteries and to the possibility of formation of a by-pass in occlusion or aplasia of cerebral arteries. The position of the subclavian artery, its variations and the variations of its branches are described. After a short embryological introduction, the variations of the venous system and its anastomoses are described. At the end, the main variations of the big lymphatic vessels in the neck are mentioned.