Facial artery
Facial Artery
The Facial Artery (Pronunciation: Fay-shul Ar-ter-ee) is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the structures of the face.
Etymology
The term "Facial Artery" is derived from the Latin words 'facies' meaning face and 'arteria' meaning windpipe or artery.
Anatomy
The Facial Artery originates from the external carotid artery within the carotid triangle. It then courses over the mandible at the anteroinferior edge of the masseter muscle, and ascends along the face to terminate as the angular artery.
Branches
The Facial Artery gives off several branches as it ascends the face:
- The inferior labial artery which supplies the lower lip.
- The superior labial artery which supplies the upper lip.
- The lateral nasal branch which supplies the side of the nose.
- The angular artery, the terminal branch of the facial artery, which supplies the side of the nose and the medial angle of the eye.
Clinical Significance
The Facial Artery is an important landmark in facial surgeries and trauma management. Its pulsation can be felt on the lower margin of the mandible, which can be used to locate the artery during surgical procedures.
Related Terms
- External carotid artery
- Carotid triangle
- Mandible
- Masseter muscle
- Angular artery
- Inferior labial artery
- Superior labial artery
- Lateral nasal branch
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facial artery
- Wikipedia's article - Facial artery
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