Tonsil Blood Supply Facial Artery — FRCA Primary MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardAnatomyTonsil Blood Supply Facial ArteryFRCA Primary

The palatine tonsils receive their primary blood supply from the:

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Facial artery (tonsillar branch)

The palatine tonsils are primarily supplied by the tonsillar branch of the facial artery (a branch of the external carotid). Additional supply from: ascending palatine artery (facial) / ascending pharyngeal artery / dorsal lingual artery / and descending palatine artery (maxillary). The paratonsillar vein (external palatine vein) is at risk during tonsillectomy and can cause significant haemorrhage.

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum