Ascending pharyngeal artery
Ascending Pharyngeal Artery
The Ascending Pharyngeal Artery (pronounced: uh-sen-ding fuh-rin-gee-uhl ahr-tuh-ree) is a small artery in the neck that supplies blood to the pharynx, prevertebral muscles, and parts of the ear.
Etymology
The term "Ascending Pharyngeal Artery" is derived from the Latin words "ascendere" meaning to climb, "pharynx" meaning throat, and "arteria" meaning windpipe.
Anatomy
The Ascending Pharyngeal Artery is a branch of the External Carotid Artery. It is the smallest branch and is often considered the deepest one. It ascends vertically to the side of the pharynx, behind the Internal Carotid Artery, and in front of the Longus Capitis Muscle.
Function
The primary function of the Ascending Pharyngeal Artery is to supply blood to the upper regions of the pharynx, the Soft Palate, and the Tonsils. It also provides blood supply to the Middle Ear, Eustachian Tube, and the Mastoid Air Cells.
Related Terms
- Pharynx: The part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity.
- External Carotid Artery: One of the two main arteries that supply blood to the head and neck.
- Internal Carotid Artery: A major artery in the head and neck that supplies blood to the brain.
- Longus Capitis Muscle: A muscle in the neck that flexes the head.
- Soft Palate: The soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth.
- Tonsils: Two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat.
- Middle Ear: The part of the ear behind the eardrum.
- Eustachian Tube: A tube that links the pharynx to the middle ear.
- Mastoid Air Cells: Air spaces in the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull.
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