maxillary artery

**Maxillary Artery: Anatomy and Branches**

The maxillary artery is a major branch of the external carotid artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the structures of the maxilla, face, and some areas of the brain. It is the second branch of the external carotid artery and arises within the parotid gland, deep to the neck of the mandible. Let's explore the anatomy and branches of the maxillary artery in this short lecture.

**Anatomy:**

The maxillary artery originates from the external carotid artery and has a tortuous course within the deep structures of the face. It enters the infratemporal fossa through the parotid gland and travels through a narrow space called the pterygomaxillary fissure, which lies between the lateral pterygoid muscle and the maxillary tuberosity. Once in the pterygomaxillary fissure, the artery gives off its terminal branches.

**Branches of the Maxillary Artery:**

1. **Middle Meningeal Artery:** This is one of the first branches of the maxillary artery and enters the cranium through the foramen spinosum. It supplies the meninges and calvaria (skull cap).

2. **Inferior Alveolar Artery:** Descending within the mandibular canal, the inferior alveolar artery provides blood supply to the mandibular teeth and associated structures.

3. **Deep Temporal Arteries:** These arteries consist of anterior and posterior branches and supply the temporalis muscle.

4. **Pterygoid Arteries:** The maxillary artery gives rise to two pterygoid arteries, namely the medial and lateral pterygoid arteries, which supply the pterygoid muscles.

5. **Masseteric Artery:** This artery travels superiorly to supply the masseter muscle.

6. **Buccal Artery:** The buccal artery courses superficially and supplies the buccinator muscle and buccal mucosa.

7. **Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery:** This artery provides blood supply to the maxillary sinus and posterior maxillary teeth.

8. **Infraorbital Artery:** The infraorbital artery exits the infraorbital foramen and supplies the lower eyelid, lateral nose, and upper lip.

9. **Sphenopalatine Artery:** This artery supplies the nasal cavity and posterior lateral nasal wall.

10. **Greater Palatine Artery:** The greater palatine artery travels through the greater palatine foramen to supply the hard palate.

**Clinical Significance:**

Understanding the anatomy and branches of the maxillary artery is crucial for various medical and dental procedures. In dentistry, knowledge of the arterial supply to the maxilla is essential for minimizing bleeding during surgical interventions, such as dental extractions and implant placements. Additionally, an understanding of the arterial supply to the maxilla helps in diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions that may involve the structures supplied by these arteries.

In conclusion, the maxillary artery is a significant branch of the external carotid artery, supplying various structures in the maxilla, face, and brain. Its branches provide crucial blood supply to the teeth, muscles, nasal cavity, and other facial structures. A comprehensive understanding of the maxillary artery's anatomy and branches is vital for dental and medical professionals to ensure successful and safe clinical practice.

MCQs on Maxillary Artery

Q1. Which artery is a major branch of the external carotid artery?

Q2. Where does the maxillary artery enter the infratemporal fossa?

Q3. Which artery supplies the meninges and calvaria (skull cap)?

Q4. The maxillary artery provides blood supply to which structures of the face?

Q5. Which artery supplies the nasal cavity and posterior lateral nasal wall?

Q6. Which artery supplies the hard palate?

Q7. Which artery supplies the masseter muscle?

Q8. The maxillary artery gives rise to two pterygoid arteries. What are they?

Q9. The infraorbital artery exits the infraorbital foramen to supply which structures?

Q10. Which artery supplies the lateral pterygoid muscle?