What is ascending pharyngeal artery?

The ascending pharyngeal artery is a small branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the pharynx and neighboring structures in the head and neck region. It arises from the external carotid artery just above the superior thyroid artery.

The ascending pharyngeal artery typically runs upwards and medially, passing behind the internal carotid artery and the stylopharyngeus muscle. It gives off branches to the palatine tonsils, palatine musculature, and other structures in the pharynx and soft palate.

This artery plays an important role in supplying blood to the pharyngeal muscles, which are essential for swallowing and phonation. It also provides collateral circulation to the brain in cases of occlusion or stenosis of the internal carotid artery.

In some cases, the ascending pharyngeal artery can also be a potential site for the formation of aneurysms, which can lead to complications such as rupture and bleeding. These aneurysms may be treated with various interventional procedures, such as embolization or surgical ligation.