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Elsevier
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Ascending Palatine Artery
Cardiovascular System

Ascending Palatine Artery

Arteria palatina ascendens

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Quick Facts

Origin: Facial artery.

Course: Ascends between the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus muscles, then between the superior pharyngeal constrictor and medial pterygoid muscles.

Branches: None.

Supplied Structures: Soft palate.

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Origin

The ascending palatine artery arises from the facial artery, close to its origin from the external carotid artery.

Course

As its name suggests, the ascending palatine artery ascends between the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus muscles. As it reaches the pharynx, it continues to ascend between the superior pharyngeal constrictor and medial pterygoid muscles. Just below the levator veli palatine muscle, the ascending palatine artery gives off two terminal unnamed branches. One branch arches over the superior margin of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle to reach the soft palate, while another terminal branch pierces the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle to reach the palatine tonsils and auditory tube.

Branches

There are no named branches.

Supplied Structures

The ascending palatine artery supplies the soft palate, tonsils, and auditory tube (Eustachian or pharyngotympanic tube).

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy