Inferior alveolar artery

Inferior Alveolar Artery

The Inferior Alveolar Artery is a branch of the maxillary artery, which is itself a major branch of the external carotid artery. This artery is responsible for supplying blood to the mandible and the teeth.

Origin and Course

The Inferior Alveolar Artery originates from the first portion of the maxillary artery. It descends with the inferior alveolar nerve through the mandibular foramen and into the mandibular canal within the mandible. Here, it divides into two terminal branches: the incisive artery and the mental artery.

Branches and Supply

The Inferior Alveolar Artery gives off several branches that supply various structures:

• Dental branches: These supply the molar and premolar teeth.
• Mental branch: This exits the mandible via the mental foramen to supply the chin and lower lip.
• Incisive branch: This continues forward in the mandibular canal to supply the canine and incisor teeth.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Inferior Alveolar Artery during surgical procedures involving the mandible can lead to significant bleeding. It is therefore important for surgeons to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of this artery.

See Also

• Maxillary artery
• External carotid artery
• Mandible
• Mandibular foramen
• Mandibular canal
• Incisive artery
• Mental artery
• Molar
• Premolar
• Mental foramen
• Canine
• Incisor

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