The ascending pharyngeal artery is the smallest branch of the external carotid artery, supplying the pharyngeal wall, prevertebral muscles, and importantly the meninges through small meningeal branches entering the posterior cranial fossa via the jugular and hypoglossal foramina. Paragangliomas of the jugular foramen (glomus jugulare tumours) receive significant blood supply from this artery and its branches.
| Origin | Posterior surface of the external carotid artery near its origin |
|---|---|
| Course | Ascends on the pharyngeal wall between the internal carotid artery and the pharynx to the skull base |
| Branches |
|
Glomus jugulare tumours are hypervascular paragangliomas at the jugular foramen that receive blood supply from the ascending pharyngeal artery, internal jugular vein, and internal carotid artery branches. Pre-operative embolisation of the ascending pharyngeal feeders reduces intra-operative blood loss during surgical resection. The ascending pharyngeal artery is also a collateral supply pathway in carotid artery disease.
Hypervascular jugular foramen paraganglioma supplied by ascending pharyngeal and other branches requiring pre-operative embolisation before surgical resection.
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