The posterior superior alveolar artery (posterior dental artery) is given off from the
maxillary, frequently in conjunction with the
infraorbital artery just as the trunk of the vessel is passing into the
pterygopalatine fossa
In human anatomy, the pterygopalatine fossa (sphenopalatine fossa) is a fossa in the skull. A human skull contains two pterygopalatine fossae—one on the left side, and another on the right side. Each fossa is a cone-shaped paired depression deep ...
.
Branches
Descending upon the tuberosity of the maxilla, it divides into numerous branches, it descends on the posterior surface of the maxilla and gives branches that supply the
molar and
premolar teeth and the lining of the
maxillary sinus
The pyramid-shaped maxillary sinus (or antrum of Highmore) is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, and drains into the middle meatus of the nose through the osteomeatal complex.Human Anatomy, Jacobs, Elsevier, 2008, page 209-210
Structure
It i ...
, while others are continued forward on the alveolar process to supply the
gingiva
The gums or gingiva (plural: ''gingivae'') consist of the mucosal tissue that lies over the mandible and maxilla inside the mouth. Gum health and disease can have an effect on general health.
Structure
The gums are part of the soft tissue lin ...
.
See also
*
Anterior superior alveolar arteries
*
Posterior superior alveolar nerve
The posterior superior alveolar branches (posterior superior dental branches) arise from the trunk of the maxillary nerve just before it enters the infraorbital groove; they are generally two in number, but sometimes arise by a single trunk.
They ...
Additional images
File:Gray157.png, Left maxilla. Outer surface.
References
External links
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Arteries of the head and neck
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