Nasal Septal Branch of the Superior Labial Artery

Description

Centered on the anterior skull, the illustration traces the superior labial artery as it courses within the upper lip and gives off a nasal septal branch that ascends medially toward the anterior nasal cavity. That septal branch is positioned deep to the columella and along the anteroinferior nasal septum, where it supplies the septal mucosa near the vestibule and the region of Little’s area (Kiesselbach plexus). Adjacent facial vasculature is shown in context, with arterial pathways in red and venous drainage in blue around the piriform aperture, maxilla, and nasal bones. Bone landmarks remain readable. Teeth and the orbital rims frame the vascular field. Anterior septal bleeding most often starts here. The nasal septal branch of the superior labial artery is a key contributor to epistaxis at the anteroinferior septum, where superficial mucosa and frequent trauma from nose picking, drying, or instrumentation make the vessel vulnerable. For clinicians placing anterior nasal packing or performing chemical cautery, its relationship to the columella and the caudal septum helps explain why pressure applied just posterior to the nostril can control many bleeds, and why overly aggressive cautery risks septal ulceration and perforation. Use this plate in head and neck anatomy teaching to link facial arterial branches to mucosal territories, and in otolaryngology or emergency medicine materials explaining the vascular basis of anterior epistaxis management. It also supports medical publishing on facial flap design and perioral reconstruction, where the superior labial artery and its septal supply influence incision planning and perfusion assessment. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.