Infraorbital artery

The infraorbital artery is an artery of the rostral maxillary and facial regions. It arises from the maxillary artery and accompanies the infraorbital nerve through the infraorbital canal, supplying the maxillary teeth and adjacent soft tissues of the face.

• Origin: Maxillary artery, in the pterygopalatine region.

• Course / Relations: The infraorbital artery courses rostrally, enters the maxillary foramen and passes through the infraorbital canal alongside the infraorbital nerve. It emerges onto the face through the infraorbital foramen.

• Termination / Branches / Anastomoses: Within the infraorbital canal, it gives off alveolar and dental branches to the maxillary teeth and surrounding tissues. After emerging from the infraorbital foramen, it divides into terminal branches supplying the muzzle, particularly the nose and upper lip. In the dog, these include the dorsal and lateral nasal arteries, with anastomoses between the lateral nasal and superior labial arterial territories.

The infraorbital artery is a continuation of the maxillary arterial system toward the rostral part of the face. From the pterygopalatine region, it enters the maxillary foramen and travels rostrally through the infraorbital canal in close association with the infraorbital nerve. Along its course, it gives off branches that supply the maxillary teeth and their supporting tissues. It exits the infraorbital canal through the infraorbital foramen and distributes blood to the soft tissues of the muzzle, including the nose and upper lip. Its terminal branching pattern varies among species.