What is the primary source of blood supply to the head, face, and neck?

The primary source of blood supply to the head, face, and neck is the common carotid arteries. These arteries branch off from the aortic arch and ascend the neck, where they bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries. The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, while the external carotid arteries provide blood to the face, scalp, and neck.

The jugular veins primarily serve to drain blood from the head and neck back to the heart, making them essential for venous return, but they do not supply blood. The subclavian arteries mainly supply blood to the arms and provide some collateral circulation to the head and neck regions but are not the primary source. The vertebral arteries, which arise from the subclavian arteries, primarily supply the posterior part of the brain. Thus, while they play a significant supportive role in supplying the brain, they are not the primary supply for the head and face.