Stylomastoid artery: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:56, 15 February 2025

Stylomastoid Artery[edit]

Diagram of the arteries of the face and scalp, including the stylomastoid artery.

The stylomastoid artery is a small but significant artery in the human body, primarily involved in supplying blood to the structures of the ear and surrounding areas. It is a branch of the posterior auricular artery, which itself is a branch of the external carotid artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The stylomastoid artery arises from the posterior auricular artery, which is located near the base of the skull. It enters the stylomastoid foramen, a small opening located between the styloid and mastoid processes of the temporal bone. This foramen is an important anatomical landmark as it also transmits the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Function[edit]

The primary function of the stylomastoid artery is to supply blood to the facial nerve as it traverses the facial canal within the temporal bone. Additionally, it provides vascular supply to the mastoid air cells, which are small air-filled spaces within the mastoid process of the temporal bone. These air cells are important for the proper functioning of the middle ear.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The stylomastoid artery is clinically significant due to its proximity to the facial nerve. Injury to this artery, such as during surgical procedures involving the ear or mastoid process, can lead to complications including facial nerve palsy. Understanding the anatomy and course of the stylomastoid artery is crucial for surgeons performing procedures in this region to avoid inadvertent damage.

Related Structures[edit]

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Stylomastoid artery''' is a small artery in the human body that arises from the posterior auricular artery, a branch of the external carotid artery. It is named for its location near the stylomastoid foramen, a hole in the temporal bone of the skull through which the facial nerve exits.
+== Stylomastoid Artery ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Gray508.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the arteries of the face and scalp, including the stylomastoid artery.]]
-The term "stylomastoid" is derived from the Greek words "stylos," meaning pillar, and "mastoid," meaning breast-like, referring to the shape and location of the structures near which the artery is found.
-==Anatomy==
+The '''stylomastoid artery''' is a small but significant artery in the human body, primarily involved in supplying blood to the structures of the ear and surrounding areas. It is a branch of the [[posterior auricular artery]], which itself is a branch of the [[external carotid artery]].
-The [[stylomastoid artery]] is a branch of the [[posterior auricular artery]], which itself is a branch of the [[external carotid artery]]. It supplies blood to the [[facial nerve]] as it exits the skull through the [[stylomastoid foramen]]. The artery also supplies blood to the [[mastoid cells]], which are air-filled spaces in the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
-==Clinical significance==
+=== Anatomy ===
-Damage to the stylomastoid artery can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, it can cause [[hemorrhage]] (bleeding) or [[ischemia]] (lack of blood flow) to the facial nerve, which can result in [[facial paralysis]]. This is because the facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, and without a proper blood supply, these muscles can become weak or paralyzed.
+The stylomastoid artery arises from the posterior auricular artery, which is located near the base of the skull. It enters the [[stylomastoid foramen]], a small opening located between the styloid and mastoid processes of the temporal bone. This foramen is an important anatomical landmark as it also transmits the [[facial nerve]] (cranial nerve VII).
+=== Function ===
+The primary function of the stylomastoid artery is to supply blood to the [[facial nerve]] as it traverses the [[facial canal]] within the temporal bone. Additionally, it provides vascular supply to the [[mastoid air cells]], which are small air-filled spaces within the mastoid process of the temporal bone. These air cells are important for the proper functioning of the middle ear.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+The stylomastoid artery is clinically significant due to its proximity to the facial nerve. Injury to this artery, such as during surgical procedures involving the ear or mastoid process, can lead to complications including [[facial nerve palsy]]. Understanding the anatomy and course of the stylomastoid artery is crucial for surgeons performing procedures in this region to avoid inadvertent damage.
+=== Related Structures ===
-==Related terms==
-* [[Stylomastoid foramen]]
 * [[Posterior auricular artery]]
 * [[External carotid artery]]
 * [[Facial nerve]]
-* [[Mastoid cells]]
+* [[Stylomastoid foramen]]
+* [[Mastoid air cells]]
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
+* [[Facial nerve]]
-* [[List of arteries of the human body]]
+* [[External carotid artery]]
-* [[Carotid artery]]
 * [[Temporal bone]]
+* [[Mastoid process]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Arteries of the head and neck]]
-[[Category:Arteries]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]