| Artery of the pterygoid canal | |
|---|---|
 Plan of branches of themaxillary artery (artery of the pterygoid canal visible at upper right) | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Aortic arch 1 |
| Source | Maxillary artery |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | arteria canalis pterygoidei |
| TA98 | A12.2.05.082 A12.2.06.006 |
| TA2 | 4454 |
| FMA | 85528 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Theartery of the pterygoid canal (orVidian artery) is anartery in thepterygoid canal, in the head.
It usually arises from theexternal carotid artery,[1] but can arise from either theinternal orexternal carotid artery or serve as ananastomosis between the two.[2]
The eponym, Vidian artery, is derived from the Italian surgeon and anatomistVidus Vidius.[3]
In this case; the artery passes backward along the pterygoid canal withthe corresponding nerve. It is distributed to the upper part of thepharynx and to theauditory tube, sending into thetympanic cavity a small branch which anastomoses with the othertympanic arteries.
It can end in theoropharynx.[4]
In this case; the artery passes inferiorly through foramen lacerum towards the oropharynx, with its main trunk continuing anteriorly through the pterygoid canal to anastomose with the pterygopalatine part of themaxillary artery.[5] The artery is small and inconstant, passing through the pterygoid canal in an opposite direction to itscorresponding nerve.
This article incorporates text in thepublic domain frompage 568 of the 20th edition ofGray's Anatomy(1918)
