Vessel
Middle meningeal artery
A skull-associated artery with extensive dural branches
High-yield
Remember maxillary origin, foramen-spinosum entry and the frontal branch's relationship to the pterion. These are the usual landmarks, with recognized anatomical variants.
Overview
The middle meningeal artery usually arises from the mandibular part of the maxillary artery and enters through foramen spinosum. It follows the skull's inner surface within closely adherent dural tissue, leaving recognizable bony grooves. Its frontal branch passes near the pterion, while other branches extend posteriorly and toward nearby skull-base structures.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the first, mandibular part of the maxillary artery in the infratemporal region.
- Course
- Commonly passes between auriculotemporal nerve roots and enters foramen spinosum; intracranial branches follow dural attachments along the inner skull.
- Branches
- Frontal and parietal divisions, with petrosal, ganglionic and other smaller meningeal branches and variable anastomoses.
- Supplies
- Extensive cranial dura and adjacent calvarial bone, with smaller branches to skull-base structures.
Clinical correlation
Temporal skull trauma can injure a meningeal artery and cause an epidural hematoma. A lucid interval may occur, but many patients do not follow that sequence. Epidural bleeding also has sources other than the middle meningeal artery.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the middle meningeal artery originate?
Usually the first, mandibular part of the maxillary artery in the infratemporal region.
What does the middle meningeal artery supply?
The middle meningeal artery supplies the extensive cranial dura and adjacent calvarial bone, with smaller branches to skull-base structures.
What are the branches of the middle meningeal artery?
Branches of the middle meningeal artery include the frontal and parietal divisions, with petrosal, ganglionic and other smaller meningeal branches and variable anastomoses.
What is the course of the middle meningeal artery?
Commonly passes between auriculotemporal nerve roots and enters foramen spinosum; intracranial branches follow dural attachments along the inner skull.