Mastication - LO 9
9. What are the major branches of the maxillary a. that supply the muscles of mastication, the meninges, and TMJ?
Arteries that supply muscles of mastication
Deep temporal aa. - supply to temporalis m.; anterior and posterior branches
Masseteric a. - supply to masseter m.; may be additional supply to TMJ
Pterygoid aa. - supply to lateral & medial pterygoid mm.
Arteries that supply meninges
Middle meningeal a. - supply to bones of cranial vault and meninges
Typically the first branch of the maxillary a.
Passes between auriculotemporal n. fibers
Enters skull via foramen spinosum
Accessory meningeal a. (when present) - small supply to meninges; more notable in supply to pterygoid mm. and tensor veli palatini m.
Enters skull via foramen ovale
Arteries that supply TMJ
Maxillary a.
Many branches of the maxillary a. will supply TMJ medially
Superficial temporal a.
Branches of superficial temporal a. will supply TMJ laterally
The maxillary a. and superficial temporal a. are the terminal branches of the external carotid a. (ECA).
