The blood supply of the stapes footplate is derived primarily from:
- A Stapedial artery (embryological) — in adults, the obturator artery of the stapes ✓
- B Anterior tympanic artery
- C Inferior tympanic artery
- D Labyrinthine artery directly
Correct answer: A. Stapedial artery (embryological) — in adults, the obturator artery of the stapes
Explanation
The embryonic stapedial artery regresses and in adults the stapes is supplied by the obturator vessel, a branch that enters the footplate through its central perforation. The labyrinthine artery supplies the inner ear fluids and sensory epithelium but not the stapes as a bony ossicle. The anterior and inferior tympanic arteries supply the middle ear mucosa and tympanic membrane, not specifically the stapes footplate.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.