Infratemporal Fossa - LO 4

4. What are the three divisions of the maxillary artery?

The maxillary a. is one of the two terminal divisions of the external carotid a., and distributes blood flow to the upper maxilla and lower mandible, deep facial areas, the middle ear, cerebral dura mater, and the nasal cavity. It is considered a blood vessel which supports both hard and soft tissue in the maxillofacial region.

The main trunk of the maxillary a. is divided into three parts, which are named according to related structures along the artery’s course (path of travel).