Ascending Pharyngeal Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The ascending pharyngeal artery is an artery of the head and neck region. It is the second main branch of the external carotid artery. It contributes to the blood supply of structures in the pharynx, middle ear and cranium. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The ascending pharyngeal artery arises from the medial aspect of the external carotid artery – immediately distal to the carotid bifurcation. It ascends between the internal carotid artery and pharynx. It crosses underneath the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus muscles and over the anterior surface of the longus capitis. At the base of the skull, the ascending pharyngeal artery terminates by anastomosing with the ascending palatine branch of the facial artery and the ascending cervical branch of the vertebral artery. Supply The ascending pharyngeal artery supplies structures in the head and neck via three named branches: Pharyngeal branch – supplies structures of the pharynx; pharyngeal constrictor muscles, stylopharyngeus muscle, soft palate, palatine tonsils and the auditory tube. Inferior tympanic artery – supplies the medial wall of the middle ear. Meningeal branch – enters the cranium to contribute to the blood supply of the dura mater and several cranial nerves. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The pharyngeal constrictor muscles and stylopharyngeus are supplied by the ascending pharyngeal artery Frequent questions What is the ascending pharyngeal artery? The ascending pharyngeal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to structures in the pharynx, middle ear, and cranium. It is the second main branch of the external carotid artery and plays a crucial role in vascularising the head and neck region. Where does the ascending pharyngeal artery originate? The ascending pharyngeal artery originates from the medial aspect of the external carotid artery, just distal to the carotid bifurcation. It ascends between the internal carotid artery and the pharynx, making its way towards the base of the skull. What structures are supplied by the ascending pharyngeal artery? The ascending pharyngeal artery supplies various structures through three main branches: the pharyngeal branch, which serves the pharyngeal constrictor muscles and soft palate; the inferior tympanic artery, which supplies the middle ear; and the meningeal branch, which contributes to the dura mater and cranial nerves. How does the ascending pharyngeal artery course through the neck? The artery ascends between the internal carotid artery and the pharynx, crossing beneath the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus muscles while passing over the anterior surface of the longus capitis muscle. This specific course is important for its anatomical relationships in the neck. What is the clinical significance of the ascending pharyngeal artery? The ascending pharyngeal artery is clinically significant due to its role in supplying critical structures in the head and neck, including the pharynx and middle ear. Its connections with other arteries at the base of the skull also highlight its importance in maintaining collateral circulation in this region. Rate This Article