Ethmoidal artery

Ethmoidal artery

The ophthalmic artery and its branches. (Ethmoidal arteries labeled at center top.)

The Ethmoidal artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery that supplies the ethmoid bone and the nasal septum. It is divided into two branches: the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries.

Structure

The ethmoidal artery originates from the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery. It travels through the optic canal and enters the orbit where it divides into its two branches.

Anterior ethmoidal artery

The anterior ethmoidal artery travels through the anterior ethmoidal canal to supply the anterior and middle ethmoidal cells and the frontal sinus. It also gives off a nasal branch which supplies the anterior part of the nasal septum and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

Posterior ethmoidal artery

The posterior ethmoidal artery travels through the posterior ethmoidal canal to supply the posterior ethmoidal cells and the sphenoidal sinus.

Function

The ethmoidal artery supplies blood to the ethmoid bone and the nasal septum. It also provides blood supply to the paranasal sinuses, including the ethmoidal cells and the sphenoidal and frontal sinuses.

Clinical significance

Damage to the ethmoidal artery can lead to epistaxis (nosebleeds), which can be severe due to the artery's close proximity to the nasal cavity. It can also be involved in conditions such as sinusitis and nasal polyps.

See also

• Ophthalmic artery
• Ethmoid bone
• Nasal septum