Which artery is the main blood supply to the facial nerve in its intratemporal course (tympanic and mastoid segments)?
- A Petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery and stylomastoid artery ✓
- B Stylomastoid artery (branch of posterior auricular artery)
- C Superficial petrosal artery (branch of middle meningeal artery)
- D Middle meningeal artery
Correct answer: A. Petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery and stylomastoid artery
Explanation
The intratemporal facial nerve receives its blood supply from two main sources: the petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery supplies the labyrinthine and geniculate regions, while the stylomastoid artery (branch of the posterior auricular artery) supplies the mastoid segment. Disruption of this blood supply during middle ear or mastoid surgery can contribute to facial nerve edema and dysfunction.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.