Vessel
Facial artery
Chief artery of the face
High-yield
Its pulse is palpable where it crosses the inferior border of the mandible, just anterior to the masseter.
Overview
A branch of the external carotid artery that supplies the superficial face, following a tortuous course to the medial corner of the eye.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- External carotid artery
- Branches / tributaries
- Inferior and superior labial; Lateral nasal; Angular artery (terminal)
- Supplies
- Superficial face, lips, and nose
- Course
- Arises in the neck, loops over the submandibular gland, crosses the mandible anterior to masseter, and ascends tortuously to the medial canthus
Frequently asked questions
Where does the facial artery originate?
The facial artery arises from the external carotid artery.
What does the facial artery supply?
The facial artery supplies the superficial face, lips, and nose.
What are the branches of the facial artery?
Branches of the facial artery include the inferior and superior labial; Lateral nasal; Angular artery (terminal).
What is the course of the facial artery?
Arises in the neck, loops over the submandibular gland, crosses the mandible anterior to masseter, and ascends tortuously to the medial canthus.