Arises from the external carotid artery.
it is divided into three parts based on its relation to the lateral pterygoid muscle-
First part (Mandibular part): Proximal to the lateral pterygoid muscle.
1st part 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.
2nd part branches:
- Deep temporal arteries
- Masseteric artery
- Buccal artery
- Pterygoid branches
|
2nd part of |
AD of maxillary division of |
|
1. Deep temporal artery |
1. Deep temporal nerve (Motor branch) |
|
2. Masseteric artery |
2. Masseteric nerve |
|
3. Pterygoid artery |
3. Nerve to lateral pterygoid |
|
4. Buccal artery |
4. Buccal nerve |
Third part (Pterygopalatine part): Distal to the lateral pterygoid muscle and associated with the pterygopalatine fossa.
3rd part branches: (Mnemonic- PGI PAS)
- Posterior superior alveolar artery
- Greater and lesser palatine arteries
- Infraorbital artery
- 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.