Stylomastoid artery

Stylomastoid artery is a small artery in the human body that arises from the posterior auricular artery, a branch of the external carotid artery. It is named for its location near the stylomastoid foramen, a hole in the temporal bone of the skull through which the facial nerve exits.

Etymology

The term "stylomastoid" is derived from the Greek words "stylos," meaning pillar, and "mastoid," meaning breast-like, referring to the shape and location of the structures near which the artery is found.

Anatomy

The stylomastoid artery is a branch of the posterior auricular artery, which itself is a branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies blood to the facial nerve as it exits the skull through the stylomastoid foramen. The artery also supplies blood to the mastoid cells, which are air-filled spaces in the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

Clinical significance

Damage to the stylomastoid artery can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, it can cause hemorrhage (bleeding) or ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the facial nerve, which can result in facial paralysis. This is because the facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, and without a proper blood supply, these muscles can become weak or paralyzed.

Related terms

• Stylomastoid foramen
• Posterior auricular artery
• External carotid artery
• Facial nerve
• Mastoid cells

See also

• List of arteries of the human body
• Carotid artery
• Temporal bone

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