<prompt> All the following are anterior branches of the external carotid aery exceptSuperior thyroidLingualFacialAscending pharyngeal  <response>: The external carotid aery gives off eight branches, which are grouped as followsAnteriorPosteriorMedialTerminal1. Superior thyroid2. Lingual3. Facial1. Occipital2. Posterior auricular1. Ascendingpharyngeal1. Maxillary2. SuperficialtemporalRef: Chaurasia; Volume 3; 6th edition; Page no: 136 