Parietal branch

Parietal Branch

The parietal branch is a term used in anatomy to refer to the branches of various blood vessels and nerves that supply the parietal lobe of the brain, the parietal bone of the skull, and the parietal peritoneum.

Parietal Branches of Blood Vessels

The parietal branches of blood vessels primarily include the parietal branches of the middle meningeal artery and the internal iliac artery.

Middle Meningeal Artery

The middle meningeal artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, gives off two parietal branches. These branches supply the dura mater and the calvaria, the upper, domelike portion of the skull.

Internal Iliac Artery

The internal iliac artery gives off several parietal branches, including the iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral arteries, and the superior and inferior gluteal arteries. These branches supply various structures in the pelvis and lower limb.

Parietal Branches of Nerves

The parietal branches of nerves primarily include the parietal branches of the trigeminal nerve and the vagus nerve.

Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve, gives off a parietal branch known as the meningeal branch. This branch supplies the dura mater and the calvaria.

Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve, gives off a parietal branch known as the auricular branch. This branch supplies the skin of the external ear and the external auditory meatus.

See Also

• Parietal lobe
• Middle meningeal artery
• Internal iliac artery
• Trigeminal nerve
• Vagus nerve