ascending palatine artery

The ascending palatine artery is a branch of the facial artery that ascends along the side of the pharynx to supply the soft palate and the palatine tonsil. It is one of several arteries contributing to the vascular supply of the palate and oropharynx.

The ascending palatine artery arises from the facial artery near its origin and ascends between the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus muscles along the lateral wall of the pharynx. It then divides into branches supplying the soft palate, tonsil, and adjacent pharyngeal wall.

The ascending palatine artery provides blood to the soft palate, the palatine tonsil, the Eustachian tube (auditory tube), and the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. It contributes to the rich arterial network supplying the tonsil along with other vessels from the tonsillar and descending palatine arteries.

The ascending palatine artery and its branches to the tonsil are relevant in the vascular anatomy considered during tonsillectomy. The tonsil's blood supply from multiple arteries, including the ascending palatine, may contribute to post-tonsillectomy bleeding in some cases. Clinical evaluation is required for specific concerns.

The ascending palatine artery may be assessed through CT angiography or conventional angiography of the facial artery territory. It is encountered and identified during surgical procedures involving the tonsils, pharynx, and palate, and is studied in anatomy coursework related to the head and neck.