Corpus: Transverse facial artery

The transverse facial artery is a branch of the superficial temporal artery.

The transverse facial artery originates from the superficial temporal artery before the latter exits the parotid gland. It runs anteriorly through the glandular tissue and then crosses the lateral aspect of the face, positioned between the parotid duct and the zygomatic arch. It lies on the surface of the masseter muscle and is accompanied by one or two buccal branches (rami buccales) of the facial nerve. The artery gives off numerous branches that supply the parotid gland and its duct, the masseter muscle, and the overlying facial skin.

The transverse facial artery anastomoses with branches of the maxillary artery, masseteric artery, buccal artery, and infraorbital artery.