Mental artery

Mental Artery

The mental artery is an artery in the mandible. It is a branch of the inferior alveolar artery, which is itself a branch of the maxillary artery.

The Mental Artery is a significant artery located within the mandible. It is a branch of the Inferior Alveolar Artery, which is a branch of the Maxillary Artery. The mental artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the chin and lower lip.

Anatomy

The mental artery arises from the inferior alveolar artery before it enters the mandibular foramen. It then runs a course in the mandibular canal, giving off two small branches to the teeth. The mental artery exits the mandible through the mental foramen, supplying the chin and lower lip.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the mental artery's location is essential in various surgical procedures involving the mandible, such as dental implants, mandibular fractures, and orthognathic surgery. Damage to the mental artery during these procedures can lead to complications such as hemorrhage, paresthesia, and necrosis.

See Also

• Maxillary Artery
• Inferior Alveolar Artery
• Mandibular Foramen
• Mental Foramen