Caroticotympanic arteries

Caroticotympanic arteries
Details
Precursoraortic arch 2
Sourcepetrous portion of the internal carotid artery
Suppliestympanic cavity
Identifiers
Latinarteriae caroticotympanicae, ramus caroticotympanicus
TA98A12.2.06.005
TA24464
FMA71691
Anatomical terminology

The caroticotympanic artery (tympanic branch) is a small, sometimes doubled artery which arises from (the petrous portion of) the internal carotid artery. It leaves the carotid canal through a foramen to reach the tympanic cavity.: 416  It contributes arterial supply to the osseous part of the pharyngotympanic tube (Eustachian tube).: 706 

Anatomy

Anastomoses

It forms anastomoses with the anterior tympanic branch of the maxillary artery, and the stylomastoid artery.: 416 

Variation

Because the caroticotympanic artery is more often absent than present, some controversy exists as to whether these are should be classified as an anatomical variation. Nevertheless, its relevance to internal carotid artery pathologies supports its continued classification as a non-variation anatomical structure. Additionally, the origin of the caroticotympanic artery as a vestige of the embryonic hyoid artery provides a developmental reason for its continued classification as a canonical branch.

See also



This page was last updated at 2024-03-17 10:16 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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