Posterior ethmoidal artery

Posterior Ethmoidal Artery

The Posterior Ethmoidal Artery is a small artery in the human body that supplies blood to the ethmoid sinus and the nasal cavity. It is a branch of the ophthalmic artery, which itself is a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Etymology

The term "ethmoidal" is derived from the Greek word "ethmos," meaning sieve, and "oid," meaning like. This is in reference to the ethmoid bone's sieve-like structure. The term "posterior" is derived from the Latin word "posterior," meaning "that follows."

Anatomy

The Posterior Ethmoidal Artery originates from the ophthalmic artery within the orbit (eye socket). It travels through the posterior ethmoidal canal to reach the ethmoid sinus and the nasal cavity.

Function

The primary function of the Posterior Ethmoidal Artery is to supply blood to the posterior ethmoidal cells and the superior part of the nasal cavity. It also provides some blood supply to the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges surrounding the brain.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Posterior Ethmoidal Artery can lead to epistaxis (nosebleeds), due to its location within the nasal cavity. It can also lead to complications during surgical procedures involving the sinus or orbit.

Related Terms

• Anterior Ethmoidal Artery
• Ethmoid bone
• Ethmoid sinus
• Ophthalmic artery
• Internal carotid artery

See Also

• Arteries of the head and neck
• Anatomy of the eye
• Anatomy of the nose

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