Mylohyoid branch of inferior alveolar artery

At a glance

English

Mylohyoid branch of inferior alveolar artery

Latin (TA2)

Ramus mylohyoideus arteriae alveolaris inferioris

System

Artery

Region

Head

Side

Paired, left and right

About the mylohyoid branch of inferior alveolar artery

The mylohyoid branch leaves the inferior alveolar artery just before that artery enters the mandibular foramen on the inner surface of the ramus of the mandible. The inferior alveolar artery itself is a branch of the first part of the maxillary artery, and it carries the main blood supply to the lower teeth.

From its origin the mylohyoid branch pierces the sphenomandibular ligament and runs downwards and forwards in the mylohyoid groove, a shallow channel on the medial surface of the mandible below the mandibular foramen. It travels with the mylohyoid nerve, the branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that supplies the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of digastric. Reaching the lower surface of the mylohyoid muscle, the artery ramifies there and supplies the muscle. It anastomoses with the submental branch of the facial artery.

The vessel is small but is relevant to procedures on the lower jaw. In an inferior alveolar nerve block the needle is aimed at the region just above the mandibular foramen, and bleeding into the pterygomandibular space can come from the inferior alveolar vessels near the origin of this branch. The mylohyoid groove and its bundle lie close to the inner surface of the mandible, so they can be disturbed in surgery on the medial side of the ramus and body. Its link with the submental artery is one of the connections between the maxillary and facial arteries in the floor of the mouth.

Course and supply

Arises from

The inferior alveolar artery, just before it enters the mandibular foramen.

Ends in

Ends on the lower surface of the mylohyoid muscle, anastomosing with the submental artery.

Supplies

Supplies the mylohyoid muscle.