Direct branch of external carotid: a masseteric artery.
An additional branch of the right external carotid in the form of an unusual direct artery to m. masseter is described. It arose as a terminal branch along with the maxillary and superficial temporal arteries, ran in the substance of the parotid gland to supply the muscle on its lateral aspect. The pertinent anatomical literature is reviewed.
Saadeh
F A
FA
Department of Human Morphology, American University, Beirut.
Bergman
R A
RA
D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000098:blood supply*; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000098:blood supply*; D008438:Maxillary Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology