Vessel
Facial artery
A flexible, variably branching supply to the face
High-yield
The mandibular crossing just anterior to masseter is a useful surface landmark for the facial pulse. Do not assume every facial artery continues all the way to the medial eye corner.
Overview
The facial artery usually arises from the external carotid, passes through the submandibular region and turns over the mandible in front of masseter. Its winding facial course accommodates movement. Labial and nasal branches supply adjacent tissues, while the extent of the terminal angular segment varies considerably.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the external carotid artery, sometimes through a shared linguofacial trunk.
- Course
- Passes deep to posterior digastric/stylohyoid, relates closely to the submandibular gland, crosses the lower mandible and ascends in a winding course across the face.
- Branches
- Cervical branches include ascending palatine, tonsillar, glandular and submental vessels. Facial branches include labial and nasal vessels; angular continuation is variable.
- Supplies
- Lips, nose and surrounding superficial face, with cervical branches reaching the submandibular region, palate and tonsillar area.
Clinical correlation
Facial wounds may bleed substantially because this vessel participates in a rich network of cross-connections. The depth and terminal branches differ between people, making a surface landmark an incomplete map of the whole artery.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the facial artery originate?
Usually the external carotid artery, sometimes through a shared linguofacial trunk.
What does the facial artery supply?
Lips, nose and surrounding superficial face, with cervical branches reaching the submandibular region, palate and tonsillar area.
What are the branches of the facial artery?
Cervical branches include ascending palatine, tonsillar, glandular and submental vessels. Facial branches include labial and nasal vessels; angular continuation is variable.
What is the course of the facial artery?
Passes deep to posterior digastric/stylohyoid, relates closely to the submandibular gland, crosses the lower mandible and ascends in a winding course across the face.