Anterior ethmoidal artery

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Artery of the head

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Latin	arteria ethmoidalis anterior

The anterior ethmoidal artery is a small artery in the head that supplies blood to the nasal cavity and the ethmoid sinus. It is a branch of the ophthalmic artery.

Course

The anterior ethmoidal artery arises from the ophthalmic artery as it passes through the orbit. It travels through the anterior ethmoidal foramen to enter the cranial cavity, where it gives off meningeal branches to the dura mater. It then descends through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone to enter the nasal cavity.

Branches

The anterior ethmoidal artery gives off several branches:

• Meningeal branches of anterior ethmoidal artery
• Nasal branches of anterior ethmoidal artery

Function

The primary function of the anterior ethmoidal artery is to supply blood to the nasal cavity and the ethmoid sinus. It also provides blood to the dura mater of the anterior cranial fossa.

Clinical significance

Injuries or surgical procedures involving the anterior ethmoidal artery can lead to significant epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to its role in supplying the nasal cavity. It is also a landmark in certain endoscopic sinus surgeries.

See also

• Ophthalmic artery
• Ethmoid sinus
• Nasal cavity