The word "arteria meningea media" refers to a middle meningeal artery, which is an artery that supplies the meninges, the protective tissues surrounding the brain. Its correct phonetic transcription in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ɑrtɛriə mɛnɪndʒɑl midiə/. This spelling represents the correct pronunciation of each of the constituent syllables of the word "arteria meningea media". Correct spelling is essential for medical professionals to understand one another and avoid confusion in diagnosing patients.
Arteria meningea media is a term derived from Latin, referring to a specific blood vessel located within the human body. An artery is a type of blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and towards various parts of the body for their nourishment. The term "media" in this context denotes the anatomical position of the artery within the middle layer (media) of the meninges, which are the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord.
The arteria meningea media, also known as the middle meningeal artery, originates from the maxillary artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery. Its main function is to supply blood to the meninges and bones of the cranial cavity. This artery has a notable course, entering the cranium through the foramen spinosum and then distributing branches to the dura mater, a thick membrane that surrounds and protects the brain.
The arteria meningea media is an essential blood vessel since it provides considerable blood supply to the meninges and cranial bones, ensuring their proper functioning and nourishment. Moreover, it plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the brain by helping to regulate cerebral blood flow. Any abnormalities or disruptions in the blood supply through this artery can lead to significant medical conditions, such as meningeal bleeding or hematoma formation, which could have severe implications on brain function and overall health.
Origin, maxillaris interna; branches, petrosal, Gasserian, tympanic, orbital, anterior and posterior terminal; distribution, to parts mentioned and through terminal branches to anterior and posterior cranial fossae; anastomoses, meningeal branches of occipitalis, pharyngeus ascendens, ophthalmica and lacrimalis, stylomastoidea, accessory meningeal ramus of maxillaris interna, and temporalis profunda.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.