Arises from the external carotid artery.
The maxillary artery is divided into three parts based on its relation to the lateral pterygoid muscle-
First part (Mandibular part): Proximal to the lateral pterygoid muscle.
Branches: (Mnemonic- Maida)
• Middle meningeal artery
• Anterior tympanic artery
• Inferior alveolar artery
• Deep auricular artery
• Accessory meningeal artery
Second part (Pterygoid part): Associated with the lateral pterygoid muscle.
Branches:
• Deep temporal arteries
• Masseteric artery
• Buccal artery
• Pterygoid branches
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2nd part of maxillary artery |
AD of maxillary division of trigeminal nerve |
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1. Deep temporal artery |
1. Deep temporal nerve (Motor branch) |
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2. Masseteric artery |
2. Masseteric nerve (Motor branch) |
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3. Pterygoid artery |
3. Nerve to lateral pterygoid muscle |
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4. Buccal artery |
4. Buccal nerve (Sensory branch) |
Third part (Pterygopalatine part): Distal to the lateral pterygoid muscle and associated with the pterygopalatine fossa.
Branches:
• Posterior superior alveolar artery
• Infraorbital artery
• Greater and lesser palatine arteries
• Pharyngeal artery
• Artery of the pterygoid canal
• Sphenopalatine artery
Note: The maxillary artery is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery, the other being the superficial temporal artery.