The transverse facial artery is a small branch of the superficial temporal artery, which is itself a branch of the external carotid artery. It is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the lateral parts of the face, particularly in the cheek region. This artery plays a crucial role in the vascular network of the facial skin, muscles, and tissues.
Location
The transverse facial artery originates from the superficial temporal artery, just above the zygomatic arch (cheekbone). It runs horizontally across the face, below the zygomatic arch and parallel to the parotid duct, distributing blood to the parotid gland, masseter muscle, and skin in the cheek area. It anastomoses with branches of the facial artery and infraorbital artery in this region, creating a vascular network that nourishes the face.
Structure and Anatomy
Origin
The transverse facial artery arises from the superficial temporal artery, which is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. The point of origin is typically just above the zygomatic arch, near the region where the superficial temporal artery crosses the upper border of the parotid gland.
Course
After its origin, the transverse facial artery travels anteriorly and horizontally across the lateral surface of the face. It runs parallel to the zygomatic arch and the parotid duct, within the superficial layers of the face, beneath the skin and superficial fascia. It typically courses just above or along the upper margin of the parotid duct, supplying nearby structures.
As the artery moves forward, it passes superficially over the masseter muscle, one of the main muscles involved in mastication (chewing). Its proximity to the masseter and parotid duct is clinically significant, as these structures can be landmarks for the artery during facial surgeries.
Branches
The transverse facial artery gives off several small branches that supply blood to nearby structures, such as the parotid gland, masseter muscle, and skin of the cheek. The artery’s branches penetrate the fascia of the face to reach these structures, contributing to the vascular supply of the lateral aspect of the face.
Anastomoses
An important feature of the transverse facial artery is its extensive network of anastomoses with other arteries in the face. It forms connections with the facial artery, infraorbital artery, and buccal artery. These anastomotic connections ensure a rich vascular supply to the lateral face and provide collateral circulation, which is important if the blood supply from other arteries is compromised.
Termination
The transverse facial artery typically terminates by dividing into smaller branches that supply the skin and superficial tissues in the cheek and lateral facial region. Its terminal branches merge with vessels of the facial artery and infraorbital artery to form a dense vascular network in the region of the midface.
Surrounding Structures
Throughout its course, the transverse facial artery is closely related to several key structures. These include:
- Parotid Gland: The artery runs through or just above the gland, supplying it with blood.
- Parotid Duct: The artery runs parallel to the duct, which carries saliva from the parotid gland to the oral cavity.
- Masseter Muscle: As the artery crosses this muscle, it provides blood to the muscle and surrounding tissues.
Function
Blood Supply to the Parotid Gland
The transverse facial artery plays an important role in supplying blood to the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located in the cheek region. As it passes through or near the gland, the artery provides oxygenated blood, ensuring that the gland can produce and secrete saliva effectively. This blood flow is crucial for maintaining the gland’s health and its function in digestion and oral health.
Vascularization of the Masseter Muscle
One of the primary functions of the transverse facial artery is to supply blood to the masseter muscle, a key muscle involved in mastication (chewing). The masseter requires a continuous blood supply to sustain its function, particularly during activities like chewing, clenching, or grinding of the teeth. By providing oxygen and nutrients, the transverse facial artery supports the muscle’s ability to generate force and perform its actions in the lower jaw.
Nutrient Delivery to the Skin and Superficial Tissues of the Face
The transverse facial artery supplies the skin and superficial tissues overlying the lateral face, especially in the region of the cheek. This region includes not only the epidermis and dermis but also subcutaneous tissues and small facial muscles involved in expression. The artery ensures that these structures receive adequate oxygenation and nutrients, helping to maintain skin integrity, elasticity, and health. This vascular supply is essential for normal skin function and for the healing of facial wounds or injuries.
Collateral Circulation and Anastomotic Networks
The transverse facial artery forms an extensive anastomotic network with other arteries in the face, such as the facial artery, infraorbital artery, and buccal artery. This interconnected vascular network ensures that blood can be rerouted in the event of a blockage or injury to a primary artery. The anastomotic function of the transverse facial artery contributes to the robustness of the facial blood supply, providing an alternative path for blood flow if needed. It also allows for a more consistent and reliable blood supply to the lateral face and cheek area, even in the case of traumatic or surgical disruptions.
Support for Facial Movements and Expression
Since the transverse facial artery supplies small facial muscles responsible for movements of the lips, cheeks, and lower eyelids, it indirectly supports facial expressions. These muscles, like the zygomaticus major and minor, are essential for expressions such as smiling or frowning. By maintaining a healthy blood flow to these muscles, the artery helps in the proper functioning of facial movements and expressions, which are important for communication and social interaction.
Contribution to the Parotid Duct and Surrounding Structures
The transverse facial artery also supplies blood to the parotid duct, which carries saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth. The integrity of this duct is important for proper salivary function. By ensuring that the tissues surrounding the duct receive a stable blood supply, the artery helps maintain the health of the duct and prevents complications like ductal narrowing or inflammation.
Clinical Significance
The transverse facial artery is clinically significant due to its location and role in facial vascularization. It is commonly encountered during facial surgeries, such as facelifts, trauma repairs, or parotid gland surgery. Surgeons must carefully navigate around this artery to avoid excessive bleeding, hematoma formation, or disruption of the blood supply to the lateral face.
Facial Trauma and Fractures
The artery is vulnerable to injury in cases of facial trauma, especially fractures of the zygomatic arch or cheekbone. Damage to the transverse facial artery can result in significant bleeding and may require surgical intervention to repair.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
In procedures like facelifts or midface rejuvenation, the transverse facial artery is a key consideration. Its preservation is crucial to maintaining proper blood flow to the skin and muscles of the face, reducing the risk of complications such as skin necrosis or poor healing.
Vascular Conditions
Rarely, conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or aneurysms can involve the transverse facial artery. Awareness of its anatomy is essential for diagnostic imaging and treatment, including embolization techniques used to manage abnormal blood vessel formations.
