16 The facial artery

16.1 Anatomy

16.1.1 Origin

The facial artery arises between the hyoid bone and the base of the mandible. It winds its way in front of the external carotid, from which it originates (Fig. 16.1).

Fig. 16.1 The facial artery.

16.1.2 Course

The facial artery winds its way forward and upwards towards the submandibular gland, passing onto the face where its pulse can be felt as it crosses the mandible. It courses over the face, emerging by the edge of the lips and ascending between the nostril and cheek.

16.1.3 Termination

The terminal branch of the facial artery is the angular artery, at the inner corner of the eye.

16.1.4 Collaterals

The facial artery supplies eight branches:

• In the cervical region:

– ascending palatine artery

– pterygoid artery

– submental artery

– submaxillary artery.

• Its named branches on the face are the:

– masseteric artery

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