When performing percussion maneuvers on the superficial temporal artery, which artery is most likely being insonated if oscillations are seen on the spectral display?

When performing percussion maneuvers on the superficial temporal artery, the external carotid artery (ECA) is the artery most likely being insonated if oscillations are observed on the spectral display. The ECA supplies blood to the face and neck and branches off from the common carotid artery. The temporal region is primarily supplied by the superficial temporal artery, which is a terminal branch of the ECA.

During percussion maneuvers, the transient pressure applied can stimulate flow and create detectable oscillations in the nearby arterial structure. This is particularly effective for the ECA, which is responsive to changes in hemodynamics, allowing for clearer spectral display signals during these maneuvers.

The other arteries listed, such as the internal carotid artery (ICA), the renal artery (RCA), and the vertebral artery, do not have the same direct relationship with the superficial temporal artery and would not exhibit the same oscillatory behavior in response to the percussion at that site. The ICA primarily supplies the brain and is located deeper, while the vertebral arteries travel posteriorly and are not accessed through the temporal region. Therefore, the presence of oscillations in this context strongly indicates the involvement of the ECA.