434 BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE HEAD. 



The posterior deep temporal arises next in order; it is con- 

 cealed by the external pterygoid and temporal muscle, and 

 is distributed to this latter muscle. 



The pterygoid arteries come next ; they vary ip number 

 and size, and, as their name implies, supply the pterygoid 

 muscles. 



The masseteric and the buccal go to the masseter and 

 buccinator muscles, and also give branches to the lining 

 membrane of the mouth. The buccal sometimes comes 

 from the superior dental, or the next branch in order. 



The anterior deep temporal, which comes off just before 

 the internal maxillary, enters the pterygo-maxillary fossa, 

 and ascends to be distributed upon the temporal muscle, 

 anastomosing with the posterior and middle deep temporal. 



The superior dental or alveolar comes off next, and has 

 been stated, in noticing the vessels supplying the teeth, to 

 wind round the tuberosity of the superior maxillary bone, 

 sending branches through the posterior dental canals, to 

 the molar teeth, and to the lining membrane of the an- 

 trum ; it then proceeds forward along the alveoli, supply- 

 ing them and the gums. 



The inferior orbital arises at the upper part of the pterygo 

 maxillary fossa, and after sending a few branches into the 

 orbit, through the spheno-maxillary fissure, it enters the 

 infra orbitar canal, in company with the infra orbitar 

 nerve, and on arriving near the anterior orifice of this 

 canal, it sends downward a branch to supply the incisor 

 and canine teeth, and lining membrane of the antrum. 

 It finally emerges at the infra orbitar foramen, anasto- 

 mosing with the ophthalmic and facial arteries. 



The superior palatine also comes off in the pterygo-max- 

 illary fossa, and descends to the posterior palatine canal, 

 distributing branches to the soft palate; it then curves 

 forward, in a groove, upon the hard palate, internal to the 

 alveoli, giving off ramifications to the lining membrane of 

 the roof of the mouth, and proceeds to the foramen iu- 

 cisivum, to anastomose with the spheno-palatine or nasal 

 artery. 



