Buccal artery

The buccal artery is a small branch of the second part of the maxillary artery, which arises within the infratemporal fossa. It provides blood supply to the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane of the cheek.

Location

The buccal artery originates from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa and travels anteriorly. It runs along with the buccal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve) through the buccal fat pad, between the medial surface of the mandible and the buccinator muscle. The artery extends toward the region of the cheek, where it supplies the buccal mucosa, skin, and related structures.

Origin

The buccal artery originates from the second part of the maxillary artery, which is a major branch of the external carotid artery. The maxillary artery is divided into three parts, with the second part being located in the infratemporal fossa, a space situated beneath the zygomatic arch and lateral to the pterygoid muscles. The buccal artery arises from this segment, typically as a small branch that travels toward the cheek.

Course and Pathway

Infratemporal Fossa

After originating from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, the buccal artery travels anteriorly. It courses alongside the buccal nerve, a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3), which also supplies the cheek region. The artery and the nerve run parallel to each other, sharing a common pathway as they descend toward the cheek.

Buccal Fat Pad

The buccal artery passes through the buccal fat pad, a mass of fat located between the buccinator muscle and the masseter muscle. This fat pad provides a cushion for the artery as it travels anteriorly, ensuring protection from external forces during mastication and facial movement. The artery remains closely associated with the buccal nerve during this segment of its course.

Buccinator Muscle

As the buccal artery continues its anterior course, it approaches the buccinator muscle, a thin, flat muscle that plays a crucial role in moving food during chewing. The artery typically runs along the lateral surface of the buccinator, supplying blood to the muscle and the overlying mucosa. In some cases, the artery may also send small branches that pierce the buccinator muscle, providing additional blood supply to the deeper regions of the cheek.

Branching

Small Muscular Branches

As the buccal artery travels toward the cheek, it gives off several small branches that supply the buccinator muscle and surrounding tissues. These muscular branches help maintain the vitality of the cheek muscles, ensuring proper function and health.

Buccal Mucosa and Skin

After passing along the buccinator muscle, the artery provides branches that supply the buccal mucosa (the inner lining of the cheek) and the skin of the cheek. These branches nourish the tissues in the anterior part of the face, ensuring a rich blood supply to the mucosal surfaces and underlying structures.

Relations

The buccal artery runs in close relation to the buccal nerve, which originates from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3). This nerve supplies sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the cheek and the adjacent gingiva. The artery and nerve travel together through the buccal fat pad, making them closely associated throughout much of their course.

The artery is also in proximity to several other important structures in the infratemporal fossa, including:

• Maxillary artery: The parent artery from which the buccal artery branches.
• Pterygoid muscles: The buccal artery lies lateral to these muscles, which are responsible for the movements of the mandible.
• Facial artery: Though the facial artery primarily supplies the skin and muscles of the face, small branches from the buccal artery may anastomose with branches of the facial artery in the region of the cheek.

Anastomoses

The buccal artery forms important anastomoses with other arteries that supply the face, including:

• Facial artery: The buccal artery connects with small branches of the facial artery, providing a rich vascular network to the facial region. This anastomosis ensures that the buccal tissues remain well-perfused, even if there is a disruption in the blood flow from one of the arteries.
• Infraorbital artery: The buccal artery may also form anastomoses with branches of the infraorbital artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) in the upper regions of the cheek. This anastomotic network ensures an adequate blood supply to the maxillary region and the adjacent facial structures.

Distribution

The buccal artery distributes blood to several important facial structures, including:

• Buccinator muscle: The artery provides blood to this muscle, ensuring that it remains functional for chewing and facial expression.
• Buccal mucosa: The inner lining of the cheek receives a direct blood supply from the buccal artery, ensuring that the mucosal surfaces remain healthy and moist.
• Skin of the cheek: Small branches from the artery nourish the skin of the cheek, supporting its function and vitality.

Variations

Although the buccal artery generally follows a consistent course, anatomical variations may occur. In some individuals, the size of the artery may vary, and it may give rise to additional or fewer branches depending on the specific anatomy. In rare cases, the artery may originate from a slightly different location along the maxillary artery or show variations in its branching pattern.

Function

The buccal artery is responsible for providing the blood supply to several key structures in the face, particularly those involved in chewing and facial expression. Its primary function is to ensure the health and vitality of the buccinator muscle, buccal mucosa, and skin of the cheek. Below is a detailed explanation of the artery’s functions.

Blood Supply to the Buccinator Muscle

One of the primary roles of the buccal artery is to supply blood to the buccinator muscle, a key muscle involved in chewing and controlling facial expressions.

• Muscle Function: The buccinator muscle plays an important role in moving food inside the mouth during chewing by pressing the cheek against the teeth, preventing food from getting trapped between the teeth and cheek. The buccal artery ensures that the muscle receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients to remain healthy and functional.
• Muscle Health: By providing a consistent blood supply to the buccinator muscle, the artery helps prevent muscle fatigue and supports the muscle’s ability to maintain tone and elasticity during facial movements, such as blowing or smiling.

Blood Supply to the Buccal Mucosa

The buccal mucosa, or the inner lining of the cheek, relies on the buccal artery for a continuous supply of oxygenated blood.

• Mucosal Nourishment: The buccal mucosa requires a rich blood supply to maintain its integrity and to perform its role in protecting the inner surfaces of the cheek. The blood delivered by the buccal artery ensures the mucosal layer stays healthy and moist, preventing irritation or damage.
• Support for Healing: In the event of injury to the buccal mucosa, such as cuts or abrasions, the artery delivers essential nutrients and oxygen required for tissue repair. Adequate blood flow promotes the rapid regeneration of mucosal cells, ensuring swift healing.

Blood Supply to the Skin of the Cheek

The buccal artery also plays a significant role in supplying blood to the skin of the cheek, ensuring the health and appearance of the outer facial structures.

• Skin Nourishment: The blood supply to the skin ensures proper nourishment, maintaining the health of the skin and preventing it from becoming dry or damaged. This is essential for the skin’s elasticity and resistance to environmental factors, such as sun exposure or temperature changes.
• Support for Facial Aesthetics: A healthy blood supply to the skin of the cheek contributes to a radiant and youthful appearance. By nourishing the skin’s cells, the artery helps maintain a smooth texture and promotes skin resilience.

Support for Chewing and Facial Expression

The buccal artery indirectly supports chewing and facial expression through its blood supply to the buccinator muscle and the surrounding structures.

• Chewing Efficiency: By supplying blood to the buccinator muscle, the artery supports its function in keeping food between the molars during mastication. This ensures efficient chewing and prevents food from escaping into the oral vestibule.
• Facial Movements: The blood flow provided by the buccal artery supports the muscle’s role in various facial expressions, such as blowing, whistling, or smiling. This function is essential for communication and social interaction, as well as maintaining facial symmetry.

Role in Healing and Tissue Repair

The buccal artery also plays a crucial role in tissue repair and healing of the structures it supplies. Injuries or surgical procedures involving the cheek, such as dental surgeries or trauma, rely on the artery’s blood supply for effective healing.

• Wound Healing: In the event of cuts, abrasions, or surgical incisions in the buccal mucosa or skin, the artery delivers the necessary blood flow to support the healing process. This ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach the affected areas, promoting the formation of new tissue and reducing the risk of infection.
• Regeneration of Muscle and Soft Tissue: The artery provides blood flow that is critical for the regeneration of muscle and soft tissues in the cheek area, allowing for faster recovery and restoration of normal function after injury or surgery.

Contribution to the Facial Vascular Network

The buccal artery forms anastomoses with other facial arteries, such as the facial artery and the infraorbital artery, creating a robust vascular network that supports the entire cheek and surrounding regions.

• Collateral Blood Supply: These anastomoses ensure that if blood flow from one artery is compromised, the tissues can still receive an adequate supply of blood through alternate routes. This is particularly important in cases of trauma or surgical intervention, as it reduces the risk of ischemia (lack of blood flow) in the cheek and buccal mucosa.
• Vascular Redundancy: By connecting with other facial arteries, the buccal artery enhances the vascular redundancy of the region, ensuring continuous blood flow even under circumstances where other blood vessels may be damaged or obstructed.

Clinical Significance

The buccal artery is clinically significant due to its role in supplying blood to the buccinator muscle, buccal mucosa, and cheek skin, making it important during facial and dental surgeries. During procedures such as cheek reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, or dental extractions, careful consideration of the buccal artery’s location is crucial to avoid injury, which could lead to excessive bleeding or hematoma formation.

Additionally, its proximity to the buccal nerve makes it important when administering local anesthesia in the region. Damage to the artery may compromise blood flow, affecting healing in cases of trauma or surgical intervention. Its anastomosis with the facial artery and other vessels ensures a collateral blood supply, making it an essential component of the vascular network in the cheek area.