Maxillary Blood Supply — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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

ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Maxillary Blood SupplyMFDS Part 1

Which artery gives rise to gingival and dental branches in the molar-bearing maxilla and contributes to the intraosseous arterial network of the lateral maxillary sinus wall?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Posterior superior alveolar artery

The posterior superior alveolar artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that supplies the molar-bearing posterior maxilla through gingival and dental branches. Its dental branch contributes to an intraosseous anastomosis with the infraorbital artery. The infraorbital artery contributes importantly to the network and gives anterior superior alveolar and, variably, middle superior alveolar branches, but it is not the artery characterised by these posterior gingival and dental branches. The greater palatine and sphenopalatine arteries can provide additional palatal contributions to maxillary teeth and supporting tissues, so the posterior superior alveolar artery should not be described as the sole supply to all maxillary teeth. The ascending pharyngeal artery does not provide the usual dentoalveolar supply.

Reference: Kqiku L et al. Arterial blood architecture of the maxillary sinus in dentate specimens, Results, 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23630145/