accessory meningeal artery

The accessory meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that ascends through the foramen ovale to enter the cranial cavity. It supplies the meninges, particularly the dura mater of the floor of the middle cranial fossa and the trigeminal cave, as well as the trigeminal ganglion.

The accessory meningeal artery originates from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa and passes superiorly through the foramen ovale, an opening in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Once inside the skull, it distributes to the dura mater of the middle cranial fossa.

The accessory meningeal artery provides blood supply to the dura mater of the floor of the middle cranial fossa, the trigeminal cave (Meckel's cave), and the trigeminal ganglion. It is a supplemental meningeal artery alongside the larger middle meningeal artery.

The accessory meningeal artery may be relevant in the context of intracranial vascular anatomy, trigeminal neurovascular relationships, and surgical approaches to the middle cranial fossa or foramen ovale. Clinical evaluation is necessary for any suspected condition involving this vessel.

The accessory meningeal artery may be visualized using CT angiography, conventional cerebral angiography, or MR angiography when detailed mapping of meningeal vasculature is required. It is also encountered during neurosurgical procedures in the middle cranial fossa region.