Arteria infraorbitalis

Arteria Infraorbitalis is a significant artery in the human body, specifically located in the face. It is a branch of the maxillary artery, which is itself a major branch of the external carotid artery. The arteria infraorbitalis plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the lower eyelid, upper lip, and parts of the nose.

Anatomy

The arteria infraorbitalis originates from the maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa, a deep space in the skull located behind the nose. From there, it travels through the infraorbital canal, a narrow passageway in the maxilla (upper jaw bone). It emerges onto the face through the infraorbital foramen, a small hole located just below the orbit (eye socket).

Function

The primary function of the arteria infraorbitalis is to supply oxygenated blood to the tissues of the lower eyelid, upper lip, and lateral aspects of the nose. It does this by branching into smaller arteries, including the inferior palpebral arteries, lateral nasal branches, and superior labial arteries.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the arteria infraorbitalis is important in several medical and surgical fields, including anesthesiology, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery. For example, in procedures involving the midface, surgeons must be aware of the location of the arteria infraorbitalis to avoid damaging it and causing excessive bleeding or other complications.

See Also

• Maxillary artery
• External carotid artery
• Infraorbital canal
• Infraorbital foramen

References

• Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st Edition. Elsevier, 2016.
• Moore, Keith L., et al. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013.