Which artery is responsible for supplying blood to the scalp and back of the head?

The occipital artery is responsible for supplying blood to the scalp and the back of the head. This artery branches off from the external carotid artery and travels toward the back of the skull, providing vital oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in that region. Understanding its role is important for estheticians, as a well-nourished and properly vascularized scalp is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

In contrast, the carotid artery primarily feeds the head and neck but is not specifically responsible for the scalp's posterior region. The temporal artery, which also branches from the external carotid, mainly supplies blood to the temples and lateral aspects of the scalp. The frontal artery is involved in supplying blood to the forehead and the frontal region of the scalp. Thus, the occipital artery’s specific function in providing blood supply to the posterior scalp makes it the correct answer for this question.