ascending palatine artery

An artery that branches from the facial artery, and branches to supply the soft palate and the palatine tonsil.

Type Vessel
Parent Structure artery
FMA ID 49555

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 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.
Where is the ascending palatine artery located?
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.
What is the function of the ascending palatine artery?
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.
What conditions may be associated with the ascending palatine artery?
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.
How is the ascending palatine artery examined?
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.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular component ventral mandibular arch 1st arch mandibular ectoderm ectoderm of mandibular component 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme mandibular component mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from head mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from neural crest 1st arch maxillary component 1st arch maxillary ectoderm ectoderm of maxillary component 1st arch maxillary-mandibular cleft 1st arch maxillary-mandibular groove ectoderm

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.