Little's area (Kiesselbach's plexus) of the nasal septum is the most common site of epistaxis (90%). Which arteries form this anastomotic plexus?

• A Posterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, and nasal branch of facial artery only
• B Anterior ethmoidal, greater palatine, sphenopalatine, and septal branch of superior labial artery ✓
• C Anterior ethmoidal and posterior ethmoidal arteries only (branches of ophthalmic artery)
• D Superior labial, facial, and internal carotid branches only

Explanation

Kiesselbach's (or Little's) plexus is supplied by: (1) the anterior ethmoidal artery (from ophthalmic/ICA system), (2) the sphenopalatine artery (from internal maxillary/ECA), (3) the greater palatine artery (from internal maxillary/ECA), and (4) the septal branch of the superior labial artery (from facial artery/ECA). This anastomosis of ICA and ECA branches makes it prone to rupture with minor trauma and drying. Posterior epistaxis (10%) arises from the sphenopalatine artery in the posterior nasal cavity.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.