Nerves and arteries of the head, illustration. The common carotid artery branches to give the externa land internal carotid arteries the former shown supplying the thyroid, mandibular and lingual regions. The internal carotid artery passes into the cranium to supply the brain. Maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) are shown supplying their respective regions. From Weber M I (1830) Anatomical atlas of the human body in natural size. Arnz and Co, Dusseldorf.