External Nasal Branch Of The Anterior Ethmoidal Artery

Description

Arising from the anterior ethmoidal artery as it exits the orbit through the anterior ethmoidal foramen, the external nasal branch courses anteroinferiorly toward the dorsum of the nose and the skin over the nasal bones. A bony facial framework is visible in anterior view, including the orbital rims, nasal aperture, maxilla, and mandible, with the vessel traced superficial to the nasal bridge but closely related to the nasion and medial canthus. Adjacent orbital and facial vasculature is overlaid, placing this fine-caliber artery in context with the angular artery and other branches of the ophthalmic and facial arterial systems. Orientation is clean and clinically legible. Surgical planning around the nasal dorsum benefits from seeing this branch in situ because it contributes to the arterial supply of the external nose and participates in anastomoses between the internal carotid (ophthalmic) and external carotid (facial) circulations. Even small injury can bleed briskly. The relationship to the medial canthal region also matters during medial orbital approaches, naso-orbital trauma repair, and dissection near the frontoethmoidal suture line, where the anterior ethmoidal neurovascular bundle is a reliable landmark. Use this plate in head and neck anatomy teaching to anchor the ophthalmic artery branches and to explain why nasal soft tissues can remain perfused after selective vessel ligation. It also fits ENT and plastic surgery materials on rhinoplasty, dorsal nasal flaps, and endoscopic sinus surgery anatomy when discussing ethmoidal vessels and the orbit. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.