Arteria Infraorbitalis is the name given to a small artery located just below the eye socket. The spelling of this word can seem intimidating at first, but it becomes easier to understand when broken down phonetically. The "ar-" in "arteria" is pronounced with a strong "a" sound and is followed by a "t" sound. "Infra-" is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable, and "orbitalis" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a soft "s" sound at the end. Overall, the IPA transcription of this word is [ɑrˈtɛriə ˌɪnfrəˈɔrbɪtəlɪs].
The term "Arteria Infraorbitalis" refers to a significant blood vessel located in the human anatomy. Specifically, it pertains to a branch of the maxillary artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to various structures and tissues in the face.
The Arteria Infraorbitalis begins its course within the infraorbital canal, a passage located in the upper jaw bone known as the maxilla. The artery then emerges onto the face through an opening called the infraorbital foramen, which lies beneath the eye socket or orbit. Once it emerges, the Arteria Infraorbitalis continues its path forward in a downward direction, traveling along the lower eyelid, nose, upper lip, and adjacent structures.
This artery plays an integral role in providing a blood supply to critical facial structures. Its branches distribute oxygenated blood to the muscles of the lower eyelid, the nose, and the surrounding skin. Additionally, it also supplies the mucous membranes of the maxillary sinus and the upper lip. The blood carried by the Arteria Infraorbitalis consists of vital nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for the nourishment and overall function of the tissues it supplies.
Understanding the anatomical significance and course of the Arteria Infraorbitalis is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those specializing in ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and plastic surgery. Knowledge of this artery is also relevant in the context of facial trauma evaluation and surgical procedures involving the face.
Origin, maxillaris interna; distribution, inferior rectus and inferior oblique muscles, lacrymal gland, lower eyelid, lacrymal sac, and upper lip; anastomoses, branches of ophthalmica, maxillaris externa, labialis superior, transversa faciei, and buccinatoria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arteria infraorbitalis" comes from Latin and Greek origins.
- "Arteria" comes from the Latin word "arteria", meaning "airpipe" or "windpipe". In ancient medicine, arteries were often thought to carry air or a vital life force rather than blood.
- "Infraorbitalis" is a Latin word combining "infra", meaning "below", and "orbitalis", referring to the orbit (eye socket). Thus, "infraorbitalis" literally translates to "below the orbit".
Therefore, the etymology of "arteria infraorbitalis" can be understood as the artery located below the eye socket.