ascending pharyngeal artery

The ascending pharyngeal artery is an artery of the neck that branches from the external carotid artery and is involved in supplying blood to the pharynx and surrounding structures.

The ascending pharyngeal artery is located in the neck, arising from the medial aspect of the external carotid artery near its origin and ascending along the posterior wall of the pharynx toward the skull base.

The ascending pharyngeal artery is involved in supplying oxygenated blood to the pharyngeal walls, as well as nearby structures including the middle ear, cranial nerves, and the dura mater at the skull base.

Pharyngeal tumors, paragangliomas, dural arteriovenous fistulas, or vascular anomalies at the skull base may be associated with involvement of the ascending pharyngeal artery.

The ascending pharyngeal artery may be assessed through carotid angiography, CT angiography, or MRI of the neck and skull base, as well as during surgical exploration of the pharyngeal region.