Embryological consideration of the inferolateral trunk.

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Neuroanatomy
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The inferolateral trunk (ILT), a branch of the internal carotid artery, is significant in neurovascular procedures.
• Its embryological origin and nomenclature are not well-established.
• Existing names, such as the primitive maxillary artery or primitive dorsal ophthalmic artery, are considered inaccurate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the embryological background of the inferolateral trunk (ILT).
• To propose a more accurate nomenclature for the ILT based on its developmental origins.

Main Methods:

• Review of developmental biology literature.
• Analysis of the vascular supply patterns during embryogenesis.

Main Results:

• The ILT primarily supplies the premandibular region, not the maxilla or retina.
• This region is characterized by premandibular mesoderm and trigeminal neural crest cells.
• The ILT's embryological precursor is proposed to be the primitive premandibular artery.

Conclusions:

• The current nomenclatures for the ILT are misnomers.
• The ILT should be recognized as the remnant of the primitive premandibular artery.
• A revised understanding of ILT embryology impacts neurosurgical and neuro-interventional approaches.