Posterior auricular artery

Posterior Auricular Artery

The Posterior Auricular Artery is a small artery that arises from the External Carotid Artery just above the Digastric Muscle and Stylohyoid Muscle. It is responsible for supplying blood to the scalp, the auricle, and the posterior part of the Temporal Bone.

Etymology

The term "Posterior Auricular Artery" is derived from the Latin words "posterior" meaning "behind", "auris" meaning "ear", and "arteria" meaning "windpipe, artery". Thus, the term literally translates to "the artery behind the ear".

Anatomy

The Posterior Auricular Artery ascends posteriorly, passing between the External Acoustic Meatus and the Mastoid Process of the temporal bone. It then divides into two branches: the auricular branch and the occipital branch. The auricular branch supplies the back of the concha and the external acoustic meatus, while the occipital branch supplies the posterior region of the scalp.

Clinical Significance

The Posterior Auricular Artery is often used as a landmark in surgeries involving the ear or the surrounding area. It can also be used as a site for arterial line placement in certain medical procedures.

Related Terms

• External Carotid Artery
• Digastric Muscle
• Stylohyoid Muscle
• Auricle
• Temporal Bone
• External Acoustic Meatus
• Mastoid Process
• Concha

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Posterior_auricular_artery

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  Diagram showing the branches of the external carotid artery, including the posterior auricular artery.
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  Illustration highlighting the posterior auricular artery.
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  Lateral view of head anatomy showing the location of the posterior auricular artery.