Petrous Branch of the Middle Meningeal Artery

The petrosal branch of the Middle meningeal artery (ramus petrosus) is a branch of the middle meningeal artery, which is located in the skull and passes through the petrous part of the temporal bone. This branch is responsible for supplying blood to the petrous part of the temporal bone, as well as several other structures inside the skull.

The petrous branch is about 2-3 cm long and arises from the middle meningeal artery at the level of the upper edge of the pyramid of the temporal bone. It passes into the skull, where it branches into small branches that supply blood to the petrous bone, pyramid, posterior and anterior parts of the temporal fossa.

One of the main functions of the petrous branch is to provide blood supply to the petrous bone, which contains important structures such as the pyramidal ganglion, the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses, and the posterior portion of the petrosal fossa. These structures are involved in processing sound signals, coordinating movements, and regulating blood pressure.

In addition, the petrosal branch supplies blood to several other structures inside the skull, such as the posterior part of the temporal fossa, where blood vessels, nerves and other important structures are located.

Thus, the petrous branch plays an important role in providing blood supply to many structures in the skull, including the petrous bone and the posterior temporal fossa, making it an important anatomical structure.



The petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery is one of the arteries that supplies blood to the brain. It is a branch of the middle meningeal artery and passes through the external auditory canal before entering the cranial cavity. This artery supplies the meninges that cover the brain, including the dura mater, and also provides vascularization to the bony structures of the inner ear and middle ear.

The petrosal triangle is one of the most important anatomical sites for the petrosal branch of the middle menigeal artery. It is here that it divides into the anterior and posterior petrosal branches, which pass around the ear canal and enter the skull through openings on the lateral surfaces of the pyramids. The anterior petrosal artery descends and enters the dura mater to supply the brain. The posterior petrosal branch continues upward along the fornix and through the medulla oblongata to contribute to the blood supply to the brain, also helping to provide vascularization to the posterior fossa.

This branch is of great importance for ensuring the safety of the brain and preventing its damage. The bone structure of the skull, in particular the pyramids and the atlanto-occipital region, is a protective screen for the brain from external shocks and damage, thereby ensuring its safety. The need to maintain a tight connection between the petrosal rami, dura mater, and bony structures of the skull helps prevent external trauma and then leads to a reduction in damage to the brain and other parts of the cranial system.

You can see the petrous ramus in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) image of the brain:

``` Photo: MRI image of the head with the petrosal triangle and petrosal meniangial canal exposed If you have symptoms such as headache or hearing changes associated with possible damage to the petrosal branches of the middle meniangial artery, you may need to consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon for further investigation your condition. Experienced specialists in this field will be able to determine the presence of stone disease and provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications or failure of brain function. However, it must be remembered that the proper functioning and restoration of the petrosal branches may require not only constant medical supervision, but also strengthening the protective bone structure of the skull through lifestyle changes and exercise. Avoid extreme physical activity and use caution when traveling, especially for scuba diving or extreme sports.



The petrosal branch of the middle menigeal artery is one of the largest arteries of the human body. It is part of the internal carotid artery and is a branch of one of its branches. The petrosal branch emerges from the transverse sinus. The length of the stony branch is 8.5–17.5 cm, diameter is from 4 to 6 mm. The small branches of the petrosal artery have a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm and branch from it either in the transverse or in the frontal direction. The average length of the middle and anterior branches of the petrosal artery is 5 and 4 cm, respectively.