Posterior superior alveolar artery

The posterior superior alveolar artery (posterior dental artery) is a branch of the maxillary artery.^[1][2] It is one of two or three superior alveolar arteries. It provides arterial supply to the molar and premolar teeth, maxillary sinus and adjacent bone, and the gingiva.^[2]

Posterior superior alveolar artery
Plan of branches of maxillary artery
Plan of branches of maxillary artery. (Post. sup. alveolar in lower right.)
Details
Branches	Branches to alveolar canals branches to gingiva
Supplies	Molar and premolar teeth lining of the maxillary sinus gingiva
Identifiers
Latin	arteria alveolaris superior posterior
TA98	A12.2.05.075
TA2	4444
FMA	49757
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Anatomy

Origin

The artery typically arises from maxillary artery within the pterygopalatine fossa. It frequently arises in conjunction with the infraorbital artery.^[2]

Course

It passes inferior-ward upon the infratemporal surface of maxilla before ramifying.^[2]

Branches

It emits branches that pass through foramina on the posterior aspect of the maxilla alongside the posterior superior alveolar nerves.^[1]

Some branches enter the alveolar canals to supply the upper molar and premolar teeth as well as the maxillary sinus and adjacent bone.^[2]

Some branches pass anterior-ward^{[citation needed]} across the alveolar process to supply the gingiva.^[2]

See also

• Anterior superior alveolar arteries
• Posterior superior alveolar nerve

Additional images

• 
  Left maxilla. Outer surface.