Ethmoidal arteries

Ethmoidal Arteries are a group of arteries that supply blood to parts of the nose, eyes, and ethmoid bone in the skull. They are branches of the ophthalmic artery, which itself is a branch of the internal carotid artery. The ethmoidal arteries are divided into two main groups: the anterior ethmoidal artery and the posterior ethmoidal artery.

Anatomy

The anterior ethmoidal artery travels through the ethmoidal canal to reach the nasal cavity. It supplies blood to the anterior and middle ethmoidal cells, frontal sinus, and the upper part of the nasal septum and lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

The posterior ethmoidal artery is smaller than the anterior ethmoidal artery. It also travels through the ethmoidal canal and supplies blood to the posterior ethmoidal cells and the sphenoidal sinus.

Clinical Significance

Due to their location, the ethmoidal arteries can be affected by conditions that impact the sinuses and nasal cavity, such as sinusitis and nasal polyps. They may also be involved in procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery.

See Also

• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery
• Ethmoid bone
• Nasal cavity
• Sinusitis
• Nasal polyps
• Endoscopic sinus surgery