Buccal artery

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Buccal artery

The buccal artery is a small artery in the head that supplies blood to the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane of the cheek. It is a branch of the maxillary artery, which is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.

Anatomy

The buccal artery arises from the second part of the maxillary artery, which is located in the infratemporal fossa. It travels anteriorly, passing between the medial pterygoid muscle and the buccinator muscle. The artery then continues to supply the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane of the cheek.

Function

The primary function of the buccal artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the buccinator muscle, which is essential for actions such as chewing and blowing. It also supplies the mucous membrane of the cheek, contributing to the overall health and function of the oral cavity.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or surgical procedures involving the maxillary artery or its branches can potentially affect the buccal artery. Damage to this artery can lead to complications such as hematoma or inadequate blood supply to the buccinator muscle and cheek mucosa.

Related Structures

• Maxillary artery
• External carotid artery
• Buccinator muscle
• Medial pterygoid muscle
• Infratemporal fossa

See Also

• Facial artery
• Lingual artery
• Inferior alveolar artery
• Superior alveolar artery