Arterial Anastomosis of the Nose, Lateral View

Description

Running along the lateral nasal wall, the arterial anastomosis is represented by branches of the facial artery, chiefly the lateral nasal artery and superior labial artery, with continuity toward the dorsum via the angular artery near the medial canthus. Superiorly and posteriorly, contributions from the ophthalmic system are implied through the dorsal nasal and supratrochlear arteries, while deeper supply from the maxillary artery enters the picture via the infraorbital and sphenopalatine territories. Bony landmarks of the profile skull anchor the course of these vessels, with the maxilla and piriform aperture lying anterior to the nasal cavity and the orbit positioned superolateral to the nasal bones. Veins in blue parallel the arterial pathways and converge toward the angular and facial veins. Clinically, this arterial interconnection matters because epistaxis often originates at Kiesselbach’s plexus on the anterior nasal septum, where branches of the sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, superior labial, and greater palatine arteries meet, even if the septal surface itself is not the primary emphasis of a lateral view. Collateral flow across external carotid and internal carotid distributions also explains why nasal bleeding can persist after proximal ligation and why targeted endoscopic control of the sphenopalatine artery is preferred in refractory posterior epistaxis. Surgeons watch the angular and dorsal nasal region closely. Those vessels sit in the so called danger triangle of the face with venous connections that can communicate with the orbit and cavernous sinus. Use this artwork for head and neck anatomy teaching blocks, ENT and emergency medicine epistaxis modules, or as a figure in a rhinoplasty, facial trauma, or endoscopic sinus surgery publication discussing vascular risk along the lateral nasal wall and periorbital region. It also suits patient education on why cautery sites differ for anterior versus posterior nosebleeds. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.