Quick Facts
Origin: Superficial temporal artery.
Course: Medially across the face.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Structures of the parotid region.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The transverse facial artery arises from the superficial temporal artery before it emerges from the parotid gland. Sometimes, it may arise directly from the external carotid artery.
Course
The transverse facial artery passes medially within the parotid gland. It passes of the masseter muscle, between the zygomatic arch and the parotid duct, and accompanied by branches of the facial nerve.
Branches
There are no named branches of the transverse facial artery; however, it does ramify to supply numerous structures and forms anastomoses with the facial, masseteric, buccal, lacrimal, and infraorbital arteries.
Supplied Structures
The transverse facial artery supplies the parotid gland and duct, the orbicularis oris and masseter muscles, and adjacent skin. Additionally, when the facial artery is deficient, the transverse facial artery may replace the arterial supply to the face.
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Artery
Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.
