Stapedial artery

Stapedial artery

The stapedial artery and its branches (shown in red).

The stapedial artery is a small artery in the human anatomy that arises from the internal carotid artery. It is a temporary blood vessel present during the development of the fetus, which usually disappears before birth. However, in some cases, it may persist in adults as a variant of the middle meningeal artery.

Structure

The stapedial artery originates from the internal carotid artery in the carotid canal. It then passes through the stapes, a small bone in the middle ear, giving it its name. The artery supplies blood to the structures of the middle ear and the meninges of the brain.

Function

The primary function of the stapedial artery is to supply blood to the developing structures of the middle ear and the meninges of the brain during fetal development. In adults, if the artery persists, it may supply blood to the temporal bone, parietal bone, and parts of the sphenoid bone.

Clinical significance

The persistence of the stapedial artery in adults can lead to complications during ear surgery, as it may be mistaken for a normal blood vessel. It can also cause tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears.

See also

• Internal carotid artery
• Middle meningeal artery
• Stapes