Internal maxillary artery

Internal Maxillary Artery

The internal maxillary artery and its branches. (Internal maxillary artery labeled at center right.)

The Internal Maxillary Artery (IMA) is one of the two terminal branches of the External Carotid Artery. It supplies the structures of the Infratemporal Fossa, the Nasal Cavity, and the Pharynx.

Course

The IMA originates behind the neck of the Mandible and runs forward between the Sphenomandibular Ligament and the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle. It then enters the Pterygopalatine Fossa.

Branches

The IMA gives off numerous branches, which include:

• Inferior Alveolar Artery
• Middle Meningeal Artery
• Accessory Meningeal Artery
• Deep Auricular Artery
• Anterior Tympanic Artery
• Inferior Tympanic Artery
• Descending Palatine Artery
• Artery of the Pterygoid Canal
• Sphenopalatine Artery

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the IMA and its branches is crucial in surgical procedures involving the Maxilla, Mandible, and Paranasal Sinuses. Damage to the IMA during surgery can lead to significant bleeding.

See Also

• External Carotid Artery
• Maxillary Artery
• Mandible
• Paranasal Sinuses

References

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