Vessel
Kiesselbach's plexus
A common bleeding site in the anterior nasal septum
High-yield
The usual four contributors are septal branches of the sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal and superior labial arteries, plus the greater palatine artery.
Overview
Small arterial branches meet beneath the mucosa of Little's area on the anteroinferior septum. This network joins internal- and external-carotid territories. Its superficial position and exposure to drying and minor trauma help explain why many nosebleeds start here.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Anastomotic branches ultimately arising from maxillary, ophthalmic and facial arterial systems.
- Course
- A superficial submucosal network in the anterior inferior septum, near the nasal vestibule.
- Branches
- Contributors rather than outgoing named branches: sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, greater palatine and superior labial arterial branches.
- Supplies
- The mucosa of the anterior inferior nasal septum.
- Drains to
- The plexus is arterial. Blood from the supplied mucosa returns through nasal veins communicating with facial, ophthalmic and pterygoid venous pathways.
Mnemonic
LEGS: superior Labial, anterior Ethmoidal, Greater palatine and Sphenopalatine contributions.
Clinical correlation
Anterior septal bleeding is common after local irritation or minor injury, but bleeding severity also depends on factors such as medicines and clotting disorders. Posterior bleeding often involves sphenopalatine branches and can be harder to visualize; location alone does not determine severity.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the kiesselbach's plexus originate?
The kiesselbach's plexus arises from the anastomotic branches ultimately arising from maxillary, ophthalmic and facial arterial systems.
What does the kiesselbach's plexus supply?
The mucosa of the anterior inferior nasal septum.
Where does blood from the kiesselbach's plexus go?
The plexus is arterial. Blood from the supplied mucosa returns through nasal veins communicating with facial, ophthalmic and pterygoid venous pathways.
What are the branches of the kiesselbach's plexus?
Contributors rather than outgoing named branches: sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, greater palatine and superior labial arterial branches.