Artery Palatine Descending

The palatine descending artery (lat. a. palatina descendens) is a branch of the external carotid artery that passes through the soft palate and then descends into the pharynx. It is a branch of the common carotid artery and passes through the carotid groove on the lateral surface of the neck.

The palatine descending artery begins from the external carotid artery at the level of the lower jaw, where it divides into two branches: the maxillary and pharyngeal. The maxillary branch passes through the maxillary canal and enters the nasal cavity, where it divides into several smaller arteries. The pharyngeal branch passes through the pharynx and enters the base of the tongue.

Functions of the palatine descending artery:

– supplies blood to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, including the soft palate, tonsils and adenoids;
– provides blood supply to the mucous membrane of the pharynx and palatine tonsils;
– participates in the blood supply to the soft palate, tongue and teeth.

Diseases associated with the palatine descending artery can manifest as a sore throat, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. Swallowing and breathing problems, as well as voice changes, may also occur.