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Summary
The posterior superior alveolar artery, not the anterior one, supplies blood to the human maxilla's incisors and anterior teeth. This study clarifies the arterial supply to the developing maxilla.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The arterial supply to the anterior maxilla and incisors is debated.
- Existing concepts of maxillary morphogenesis influence theories on its vascularization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intrinsic arterial supply to the anterior portion of the human maxilla and its incisors.
- To clarify the vascularization patterns during fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic and radiographic analyses were performed.
- Human fetuses (six months to term) were studied after arterial perfusion.
- Infraorbital and posterior superior alveolar arteries were examined.
Main Results:
- The posterior superior alveolar artery was observed to course towards the facial midline.
- This artery supplies branches to both the incisors and posterior teeth.
- This finding contradicts the classical description of anterior superior alveolar artery supply.
Conclusions:
- The posterior superior alveolar artery plays a significant role in vascularizing the anterior maxillary segment and incisors.
- The classical understanding of the anterior superior alveolar artery's supply to the anterior maxilla needs revision based on developmental anatomy.