The maxillary artery is the bigger terminal branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies the deep structures and bones of the face.
Divisions
The maxillary artery is divided into three parts depending on its relation with the lateral pterygoid muscle:
- Mandibular part (posterior and lateral to the lateral pterygoid muscle)
- Pterygoid part (adjacent to the muscle)
- Pterygopalatine part (anteromedially to the muscle)
Branches
Mandibular part
The mandibular part runs posterior and lateral to the lateral pterygoid muscle, deep to the neck of the condylar process of the mandible, and lateral to the stylomandibular ligament.
Branch | Supplies | Course |
---|---|---|
Deep auricular | The skin of the |