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Maxillary Artery

arteria maxillaris

The maxillary artery is the larger terminal branch of the external carotid artery, supplying the deep face, dura mater, teeth, and nasal cavity through multiple branches. The middle meningeal artery is its most clinically important branch, supplying the dura and pterion region where its laceration in temporal bone fractures causes epidural haematoma. The sphenopalatine artery is the primary supply to the nasal mucosa and the vessel most commonly ligated for severe epistaxis.

Region: Head & Skull

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	External carotid artery at the posterior neck of the mandible

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The maxillary artery is the primary supply for maxillofacial surgery vascular anatomy. Epistaxis from the sphenopalatine artery territory (posterior epistaxis) is treated by sphenopalatine artery ligation or embolisation when anterior nasal packing fails. The middle meningeal artery runs in a groove on the inner temporal bone and is lacerated in temporal bone fractures, producing the lucid interval and then rapidly deteriorating consciousness of epidural haematoma.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Middle Meningeal Artery Laceration

Temporal bone fracture tearing the middle meningeal artery producing epidural haematoma with the classic lucid interval requiring emergency surgical evacuation.