Anterior ethmoidal

Anterior Ethmoidal refers to a set of structures within the ethmoid bone of the skull, specifically the anterior ethmoidal artery, anterior ethmoidal nerve, and anterior ethmoidal foramen. These structures play crucial roles in the anatomy and physiology of the human body, particularly in relation to the nervous system and circulatory system.

Anterior Ethmoidal Artery

The anterior ethmoidal artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery. It travels through the anterior ethmoidal canal to supply the ethmoid sinus and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. It also provides blood supply to the dura mater and the meninges of the anterior cranial fossa.

Anterior Ethmoidal Nerve

The anterior ethmoidal nerve is a branch of the nasociliary nerve, itself a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the anterior and middle ethmoidal sinuses, the upper part of the nasal cavity, and the nasal vestibule.

Anterior Ethmoidal Foramen

The anterior ethmoidal foramen is a small opening in the ethmoid bone through which the anterior ethmoidal artery, vein, and nerve pass from the orbit to the nasal cavity and ethmoidal sinuses.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the anterior ethmoidal structures is crucial in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology. Damage to these structures can result in epistaxis (nosebleeds), cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and orbital cellulitis. They are also important landmarks in endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery.

See Also

• Ethmoid bone
• Ophthalmic artery
• Nasociliary nerve
• Trigeminal nerve