It is clinically important since it is a frequent cause of nosebleeds.
The maxillary artery runs through thepterygopalatine fossaand passes through the sphenopalatine foramen.
At this point, it becomes the sphenopalatine artery.
Shima Science Photo / Getty Images
Structure
The sphenopalatine artery gives off several branches.
Anatomical Variations
As with many arteries, anatomy can vary slightly from person to person.
For example, the sphenopalatine artery usually divides into two branches after entering the nasal cavity.
However, in some patients, the artery may divide before entering the cavity.
In others, the sphenopalatine artery may divide into three or more branches.
Surgeons planning nasal surgeries should be aware of potential variations in anatomy.
Clinical Significance
The sphenopalatine artery and its branches are an important cause ofnosebleeds(epistaxis).
Nosebleeds can be classified as anterior or posterior, depending on the vessels that supply the injured mucosa.
Anterior nosebleeds, the most common bang out, typically arise from Kiesselbachs plexus.
The treatment differs depending on the source of the bleeding.
Anterior nosebleeds may stop on their own, or respond to conservative measures such as pinching the nose.
Stopping the bleeding may eventually require a surgical procedure, such as ligation or embolization of the responsible artery.
Pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery sparked by surgery may present with severe bleeding.
As with posterior nosebleeds, control of bleeding may require ligation or embolization of the feeding artery.
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