Petrosal branch of middle meningeal artery

The petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery is a small arterial branch that arises from the middle meningeal artery, which is a major artery supplying the dura mater of the brain. This branch plays a role in vascularizing the structures within the petrous part of the temporal bone.

Anatomy

The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery, which itself is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. The petrosal branch specifically arises from the middle meningeal artery as it courses through the foramen spinosum into the cranial cavity.

The petrosal branch travels towards the petrous part of the temporal bone, where it supplies blood to the facial nerve and the geniculate ganglion. It may also contribute to the vascular supply of the tympanic cavity and the mastoid air cells.

Clinical significance

The petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery is of clinical importance due to its proximity to the facial nerve. Injury or surgical procedures involving the temporal bone must take care to avoid damaging this artery to prevent complications such as facial nerve palsy.

In some cases, the petrosal branch can be involved in epidural hematomas if the middle meningeal artery is ruptured due to trauma. However, the petrosal branch itself is less commonly involved compared to the main trunk of the middle meningeal artery.

Also see

• Middle meningeal artery
• Maxillary artery
• Facial nerve
• Temporal bone
• Epidural hematoma