Middle meningeal artery

Middle meningeal artery is a significant artery located within the human skull. It is the largest of the three (paired) arteries that branch off from the maxillary artery, one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. The middle meningeal artery plays a crucial role in supplying the meninges and parts of the calvaria.

Anatomy

The middle meningeal artery typically arises from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, although variations can occur. It enters the middle cranial fossa through the foramen spinosum, after which it divides into a frontal and a parietal branch.

Frontal Branch

The frontal branch, also known as the anterior branch, runs forward and upward on the dura mater and courses over the sphenoid bone's lesser wing and the Pterion. It supplies the anterior cranial fossa and parts of the calvaria.

Parietal Branch

The parietal branch, also known as the posterior branch, is larger than the frontal branch. It runs backward and upward to supply the meninges and the calvaria's superior parts.

Clinical Significance

The middle meningeal artery is clinically significant due to its location. It is vulnerable to injury, particularly in cases of traumatic brain injury. Damage to this artery can lead to an epidural hematoma, a potentially life-threatening condition.

See Also

• Maxillary artery
• External carotid artery
• Meninges
• Calvaria
• Infratemporal fossa
• Middle cranial fossa
• Foramen spinosum
• Sphenoid bone
• Pterion
• Traumatic brain injury
• Epidural hematoma

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