The blood supply of the stapes superstructure is derived from the obturator artery, a branch of which vessel?

• A Anterior tympanic artery from the internal maxillary artery
• B Deep auricular artery from the maxillary artery
• C Inferior tympanic artery from the ascending pharyngeal artery
• D Stylomastoid artery from the posterior auricular artery ✓

Explanation

The stapes superstructure (head, neck, and crura) receives blood supply from the obturator artery, which is a branch of the stylomastoid artery — itself a branch of the posterior auricular artery. This anatomical detail is clinically relevant in stapedectomy, where the stapedial tendon and stapedial artery (a remnant of the embryonic vessel) may be encountered. The anterior tympanic artery supplies the anterior middle ear mucosa. The deep auricular artery supplies the outer canal and drum.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.