The blood supply to the stapes superstructure (crura and head) is derived primarily from:

• A Anterior tympanic artery
• B Posterior tympanic artery
• C Stapedial artery (persistent embryological remnant) ✓
• D Superior tympanic artery

Explanation

The superstructure of the stapes (crura and head) receives its blood supply from the stapedial artery, an embryological remnant that normally regresses but may persist in some individuals. The footplate receives supply from the mucoperichondrium. This anatomical detail is clinically relevant during stapedotomy, where an abnormally persistent stapedial artery can cause profuse intraoperative bleeding. The anterior tympanic artery supplies the anterior wall of the middle ear rather than the stapes directly.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.