The word "arteria mentalis" is a term used to describe the mental artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the lower lip and chin. In terms of its spelling, the word is pronounced as [ɑːˈtɪərɪə mɛnˈtælɪs] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "ar-" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with an "ah" sound, while the "er" in "artery" is pronounced with an "uhr" sound. The word "mentalis" is pronounced with a stressed "men-" and a short "tal-" and "-is" at the end.
The term "arteria mentalis" refers to one of the main blood vessels situated in the head and neck region of the human body. Specifically, it denotes the mental artery, which is a branch of the maxillary artery. This artery is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the lower region of the face, primarily the chin and lips.
Originating from the maxillary artery, which is itself a branch of the external carotid artery, the arteria mentalis courses downward towards the mental region of the face. In doing so, it travels through the mental foramen, a small hole located in the mandible (lower jawbone). It is through this foramen that the arteria mentalis delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and structures in its vicinity.
The blood supply provided by the arteria mentalis is crucial for the nourishment and viability of tissues such as the skin, muscles, and nerves of the lower face and chin. The correct functioning of this artery is essential for maintaining proper blood circulation, ensuring cell growth and repair, and enabling sensory perception in these regions.
An interruption or impairment of blood flow through the arteria mentalis can have significant consequences, such as tissue necrosis, sensation loss, or impaired wound healing. In some cases, surgical procedures or dental interventions in the mental region may require careful consideration of the location and function of the arteria mentalis to prevent potential complications.
In summary, the arteria mentalis is a prominent blood vessel originating from the maxillary artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the lower face and chin, playing a vital role in maintaining tissue health and function.
Terminal branch of alveolaris inferior.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arteria mentalis" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "arteria" is derived from Latin, where it means "blood vessel" or "artery". It is itself derived from the Greek word "artēria", which has a similar meaning. In both Latin and Greek, this term referred to the blood vessels that were filled with bright-red oxygenated blood, as opposed to the veins that carried dark deoxygenated blood.
The term "mental" comes from the Latin word "mentālis", which means "of the mind". In anatomy, it is used to refer to structures or regions associated with the chin, lower jaw, or mental region of the face.
Combining the two terms, "arteria mentalis", thus refers to the blood vessel supplying the mental region of the face, specifically the lower jaw or chin area.