Arterial Anastomosis of the Nose, Anterior View

Description

Centered on the anterior nasal aperture, the illustration traces the arterial anastomosis of the nose across the dorsum and into the anterior septal region, where Kiesselbach’s plexus (Little’s area) forms a dense network on the anteroinferior nasal septum. Branches of the anterior ethmoidal artery descend from the superior nasal cavity, while septal and alar contributions from the sphenopalatine artery approach posteriorly and course anteriorly along the septum and lateral wall. From the external carotid system, the superior labial artery (via the facial artery) and the lateral nasal artery ascend to meet these intranasal branches at the vestibule and columella. Superficial facial veins accompany the arterial paths over the nasal bones and maxilla, providing surface landmarks against the skull base anatomy. Kiesselbach’s area is the common source of anterior epistaxis, and this view makes the convergence of small-caliber arterioles in the anterior septum easy to explain and to teach. When you cauterize with silver nitrate, place anterior nasal packing, or counsel patients on digital trauma, it helps to visualize how closely apposed these vessels are beneath thin mucoperichondrium over the quadrangular cartilage. Posterior epistaxis behaves differently, and the contrast in supply from sphenopalatine branches becomes intuitive when you see the septal flow heading forward. Ideal for ENT teaching files, head and neck anatomy courses, and figures supporting epistaxis management guidelines, nasal endoscopy orientation, or septoplasty discussions where arterial supply and bleeding points must be communicated cleanly. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.