The word "arteria ethmoidalis posterior" is a medical term that refers to the posterior ethmoid artery, which supplies blood to the ethmoid bone in the skull. The spelling of the word is broken down into its individual parts, with "arteria" meaning artery, "ethmoidalis" referring to the ethmoid bone, and "posterior" indicating the location of the artery. The word is pronounced [ɑrˈtɛriə ˌɛθmɔɪˈdeɪlɪs pɒsˈtɪərɪəs], with each syllable being separately enunciated to ensure its correct pronunciation.
The term "arteria ethmoidalis posterior" refers to one of the branches of the ophthalmic artery. This artery is responsible for supplying blood to the ethmoidal sinuses located between the nasal cavity and the orbit of the eye.
The posterior ethmoidal artery originates from the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery in the neck. It passes through the superior orbital fissure near the back of the orbit and enters the nasal cavity through a small structure called the posterior ethmoidal foramen.
Once inside the nasal cavity, the arteria ethmoidalis posterior divides into several smaller branches that supply blood to the posterior ethmoidal air cells, which are part of the ethmoidal sinus system. These air cells are situated towards the back of the ethmoid sinuses and play a role in the drainage and ventilation of the sinuses.
The arterial supply provided by the arteria ethmoidalis posterior is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the ethmoidal sinuses. The blood flow supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, as well as the removal of waste products. Any disruption of the arterial supply to the posterior ethmoidal sinuses can lead to problems such as sinusitis or reduced drainage and ventilation, which can result in various symptoms including nasal congestion, pain, and inflammation.
In summary, the arteria ethmoidalis posterior is a branch of the ophthalmic artery that supplies blood to the posterior ethmoidal air cells within the ethmoidal sinuses.
Origin, ophthalmica; distribution, posterior ethmoidal cells and upper posterior part of outer wall of nasal cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.