Corpus: Infraorbital artery

The infraorbital artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that travels along the lower margin of the eye socket (orbit).

The infraorbital artery continues from the proximal section of the maxillary artery. It enters the eye socket through the inferior orbital fissure. In the orbit, it travels alongside the infraorbital nerve within the infraorbital groove (sulcus) and then through the infraorbital canal, moving forward. Eventually, it emerges at the infraorbital foramen on the facial surface of the skull, where it is covered by the levator labii superioris muscle.

Within the infraorbital canal, the artery gives off the anterior superior alveolar artery, which supplies the upper teeth, as well as small branches to the orbit. These orbital branches supply the inferior rectus muscle, the inferior oblique muscle, and the lacrimal sac.

At its extracranial endpoint, the artery gives rise to several branches. Some extend to the inner corner of the eye and the lacrimal sac, where they form connections (anastomoses) with the angular artery. Other branches supply the nose, forming anastomoses with the dorsal nasal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery. Additional branches travel downward between the levator labii superioris muscle and the levator anguli oris muscle, where they connect with the facial artery and the buccal artery.

• Anterior superior alveolar artery
• Orbital branches