Kiesselbach's plexus
Kiesselbach's Plexus
Kiesselbach's Plexus (pronounced: kee-sel-bahks plek-sus), also known as Kiesselbach's area or Little's area, is a region in the anterior part of the nasal septum where four major arteries converge. This area is named after the German otolaryngologist Wilhelm Kiesselbach, who first described it in the 19th century.
Etymology
The term "Kiesselbach's Plexus" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Wilhelm Kiesselbach, a German otolaryngologist. The word "plexus" comes from the Latin word for "braid," referring to the complex network of blood vessels found in this area.
Anatomy
Kiesselbach's Plexus is located in the anterior part of the nasal septum, the wall dividing the two nostrils. It is a vascular network formed by the anastomosis (connection) of four major arteries: the anterior ethmoidal artery, the sphenopalatine artery, the greater palatine artery, and the superior labial artery. These arteries are branches of the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery, which supply blood to the head and neck.
Clinical Significance
Due to its rich vascular supply, Kiesselbach's Plexus is a common site for epistaxis, or nosebleeds. Most nosebleeds that originate from this area are anterior nosebleeds, which are generally less severe and easier to manage than posterior nosebleeds.
Related Terms
- Epistaxis: Bleeding from the nose, often due to rupture of blood vessels in the Kiesselbach's Plexus.
- Nasal septum: The wall dividing the two nostrils, where Kiesselbach's Plexus is located.
- Anterior ethmoidal artery, sphenopalatine artery, greater palatine artery, superior labial artery: The four arteries that form Kiesselbach's Plexus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kiesselbach's plexus
- Wikipedia's article - Kiesselbach's plexus
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