We never think about it, but there is a very complex system working inside our face. There are many small parts that help us when we talk, laugh, and eat. Today, we are going to talk about a very important blood vessel that supplies blood to the tissues, teeth, and jaws of our face. This is called the Maxillary Artery .
Simply put, what is the Maxillary Artery?
The Maxillary Artery is a major artery, or blood vessel, located deep on either side of your face. Some people also call it the Internal Maxillary Artery. This main artery has many small branches that branch out up, down, and across your face. It's like branches branching off the main trunk of a tree.
What is the function of this blood vessel?
Like any artery, the main function of the Maxillary Artery is to supply clean blood containing oxygen and nutrients to the various parts of your face. This blood supply is what allows those tissues and cells to do their jobs properly.
But, in addition to this basic function, doctors also use this blood vessel to solve some medical problems. Imagine this...
- During surgery: When performing surgery on someone with a bulging blood vessel in the brain (aneurysm) or a tumor at the base of the skull, if it is necessary to create an alternative route (bypass route) for blood flow, the Maxillary Artery is sometimes used.
- To stop bleeding: Some people bleed excessively from their noses. Or, if they want to stop the blood supply to noncancerous growths, doctors can block the branch of the Maxillary Artery that supplies blood to those areas.
- This artery is also useful in endovascular procedures: that is, treatments performed inside a blood vessel.
What parts are supplied with blood by the Maxillary Artery?
This blood vessel is like the lifeline of the face. Here are some of the main parts that it supplies blood to:
| Body part | Description |
|---|---|
| Jawbone | It supplies blood to your upper and lower jaws. |
| Teeth | Provides necessary nutrition to teeth and gums. |
| Lips and Chin | Supplies blood to the tissues of the lips and chin area. |
| Muscles for chewing | When we eat, we provide energy to the muscles that move our jaws. |
| Ear (Inner and middle ear) | It supplies blood to the inner and middle parts of the ear. |
| Other parts | This also supplies blood to the roof of your mouth, nose, and cheekbones. |
Where is this located?
Imagine that you have a main blood vessel that runs from the top of your neck to the bottom, called the External Carotid Artery . The Maxillary Artery branches off from that blood vessel. To be precise, it starts inside the Parotid Gland in front of your ear. Then it travels down into your face.
The important thing is that this blood vessel is located deep under our skin, so we usually don't feel it or see it.
What diseases can affect this blood vessel?
Generally, major problems with this blood vessel are rare. However, there are several conditions that can sometimes affect it.
- Temporal Arteritis: This is also known as Giant Cell Arteritis . Simply put, this is an inflammation, or swelling, of the arteries.
- Aneurysm: This is a rare condition in which the wall of an artery weakens and bulges like a balloon.
- Pseudoaneurysm: This is also rare. This occurs when the artery wall is damaged and blood leaks into nearby tissue.
Symptoms that may occur during illness
If there is a problem with your Maxillary Artery, you may experience the following symptoms. If you experience any of these, it is best to see a doctor for advice.
| Symptom | Further details |
|---|---|
| A swelling in front of the ear | Feeling of swelling on the cheek in front of the ear. |
| A lump of a lumpy nature | A lump in front of the ear that feels like a pulse. |
| Headache and fever | Pain and fever, especially in the temples. |
| Jaw pain | Pain in the jaw area when eating or talking. |
| Vision changes | Feeling like you are seeing two things (double vision). |
How do I check its health status?
A doctor has several ways to examine this blood vessel and related problems.
- Physical examination: First, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and physically examine the area.
- Imaging Tests: Various scans can be used to look inside the artery.
- Ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves.
- CT Scan: A test using X-rays and a computer.
- MRA Scan: A method of obtaining detailed images of blood vessels using an MRI machine.
- Angiogram: A procedure in which a special liquid (contrast dye) is injected into the blood vessels and images are taken using X-rays.
How to keep your Maxillary Artery healthy?
It's important to keep all the blood vessels in your body healthy, not just your maxillary artery. There are a few simple things you can do to help.
- Exercise: Stay active every day. Even something as simple as walking or running can help.
- Avoid smoking: The use of tobacco products is very harmful to blood vessels.
- A good diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that are rich in fiber.
- Limit salt and alcohol: Excessive salt consumption and alcohol consumption are not good for blood pressure and blood vessel health.
- Medical check-ups: Get regular medical check-ups. If you have any symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Deep beneath the skin of the face, unseen by us, the Maxillary Artery does its work silently. Following a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect our heart and vascular system.
Take-Home Message
- The Maxillary Artery is a major artery that supplies blood to many important parts of your face, such as your jaw, teeth, cheeks, and ears.
- Its main function is to provide oxygen and nutrition. It is also important in some surgeries and treatments.
- Be aware of symptoms such as swelling in front of the ear, a throbbing sensation, a severe headache, or jaw pain when eating. These could be signs of a problem.
- If you have any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see your doctor immediately.
- By following a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking), you can keep all of your blood vessels healthy.
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