Maxillary artery

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 

 

2nd part of maxillary artery

AD of maxillary division of trigeminal nerve

1. Deep temporal artery 

1. Deep temporal nerve (Motor branch)

2. Masseteric artery 

2. Masseteric nerve (Motor branch)

3. Pterygoid artery

3. Nerve to lateral pterygoid muscle
(Motor branch)

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. 

 

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