The word "arteria meningea anterior" is a medical term used to describe an artery that supplies blood to the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Its pronunciation is /ɑrˈtɛriə mɪnɪnˈdʒiːə ˌæntɪˈɔːriər/, where each phonetic symbol represents a sound. The letter "a" is pronounced as in "car," while "e" is pronounced as in "bed." The stress falls on the third syllable. Accurate spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are crucial for effective communication in the healthcare industry.
The term "arteria meningea anterior" refers to a small branch of the maxillary artery, which is one of the major arteries of the face and supplies blood to various structures in the head region. The arteria meningea anterior specifically emerges from the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, a space located deep within the skull, just below the temporal bone.
The arteria meningea anterior follows a course superiorly and forward, running close to the lateral side of the sphenoid bone. As it progresses, it gives off several small branches that supply blood to the meninges, which are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
This particular artery is responsible for providing oxygenated blood to the meninges in the anterior part of the skull. The meninges play a vital role in protecting and supporting the brain and spinal cord, and a sufficient blood supply to these structures is essential for their proper functioning.
In clinical terms, the arteria meningea anterior can become damaged or compromised due to various factors, including trauma or certain medical conditions. When this occurs, it can lead to reduced blood supply to the meninges, potentially causing symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, or neurological deficits. In such cases, medical intervention may be necessary to restore blood flow and ensure the health and proper functioning of the meninges and associated structures.
Origin, ophthalmica; distribution, cerebral membranes in middle cranial fossa; anastomoses, branches of meningea media and meningeal branches of carotis interna and lacrimalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.