Arteries of face and scalp (Anterior view: deep) (Latin)

The a. ophthalmica arises within the skull and extends anteriorly to enter the orbita with the n. opticus via the canalis opticus. It continues along the paries medialis orbitae where it gives off several branches. Branches of the a. ophthalmica which supply deep structures of the face include the a. supraorbitalis, a. supratrochlearis and a. dorsalis nasi. The a. supraorbitalis and a. supratrochlearis extend superiorly to supply the forehead and scalp while the a. dorsalis nasi extends inferomedially to anastomose with the a. angularis (terminal branch of a. facialis). The a. buccalis arises from the 2nd part of the a. maxillaris, while the a. infraorbitalis originates from the 3rd part of the a. maxillaris within the fossa pterygopalatina. The a. buccalis passes forwards to reach and supply the m. bucinator and overlying skin. The a. infraorbitalis ascends to the orbita of the eye via the fissura orbitalis inferior and emerges onto the face through the foramen infraorbitale. It supplies the skin of the inferior eyelid, cheek and nose as well as the maxillary teeth via its terminal branches.