The Kiesselbach plexus (Little's area) on the antero-inferior nasal septum is the site of 90% of anterior epistaxis. It is formed by anastomoses of which five vessels?

• A Anterior ethmoidal, posterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, inferior labial, and angular arteries
• B Sphenopalatine, greater palatine, ascending pharyngeal, facial, and posterior ethmoidal arteries
• C Anterior ethmoidal, posterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, and superior labial arteries ✓
• D Anterior ethmoidal, greater palatine, woodruff plexus, facial, and angular arteries

Explanation

Little's area receives contributions from five arteries with dual ICA/ECA supply: (1) Anterior ethmoidal artery (from ophthalmic = ICA system), (2) Posterior ethmoidal artery (ophthalmic = ICA), (3) Sphenopalatine artery (internal maxillary = ECA), (4) Greater palatine artery (internal maxillary = ECA), and (5) Superior labial artery (facial artery = ECA). This dual blood supply from both carotid systems means that proximal ICA ligation alone does not control all bleeding at Little's area. Woodruff's plexus is on the lateral wall at the posterior end of the inferior turbinate, responsible for posterior epistaxis.

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.