The ( arteria maxillaris ) is a major terminal branch of the external carotid artery that provides the primary blood supply to deep structures of the face, including the upper and lower jaws, muscles of mastication, nasal cavity, and the dura mater. 1. Anatomical Course and Parts
Understanding the anatomy of the maxillary artery is vital for several medical fields:
Usually passes superficial (lateral) to the lateral pterygoid muscle in about 79.6% of cases, or deep (medial) to it in approximately 19.9%. This segment primarily supplies the muscles of mastication (masseteric, pterygoid, and deep temporal arteries). arteria maxillaris
The course of the maxillary artery can vary significantly between individuals. While most follow a lateral course relative to the lateral pterygoid muscle, some may have an (found in only about 0.01% of cases). Historically, the term "external maxillary artery" was used for the facial artery , but in modern Terminologia Anatomica , "maxillary artery" refers specifically to this deep vessel. 4. Comparison Across Species
In veterinary anatomy, the maxillary artery often serves as a continuation of the external carotid and can contribute to specialized structures like the (a vascular network) in certain animals such as camels, cattle, and sheep. The ( arteria maxillaris ) is a major
The artery typically originates behind the neck of the mandible and passes through the . It is traditionally divided into three distinct segments based on its relationship to the lateral pterygoid muscle :
Located behind the neck of the mandible. Key branches include the middle meningeal artery (which supplies the dura mater) and the inferior alveolar artery (supplying the lower teeth). This segment primarily supplies the muscles of mastication
The sphenopalatine branch is often responsible for severe posterior nosebleeds (epistaxis). 3. Anatomical Variations