Superior tympanic artery

Superior Tympanic Artery

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Anatomy of the middle ear, showing the tensor tympani muscle.

The superior tympanic artery is a small artery that plays a crucial role in the vascular supply to the structures within the middle ear. It is a branch of the middle meningeal artery, which itself is a branch of the maxillary artery, a major artery of the head and neck.

Anatomy

The superior tympanic artery enters the middle ear cavity through the petrotympanic fissure, a small slit in the temporal bone. Once inside the middle ear, it supplies blood to the tensor tympani muscle, a small muscle that is involved in dampening sounds, such as those produced by chewing.

Function

The primary function of the superior tympanic artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the structures of the middle ear, particularly the tensor tympani muscle. This muscle is responsible for tensing the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to reduce the amplitude of loud sounds, thus protecting the inner ear from potential damage.

Clinical Significance

In certain medical conditions, such as chronic otitis media or temporal bone fractures, the superior tympanic artery may be involved in pathological processes. Understanding its anatomy is important for otolaryngologists and surgeons who perform procedures involving the middle ear.

Related Pages

• Middle ear
• Middle meningeal artery
• Maxillary artery
• Tensor tympani muscle

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