The inferior alveolar artery is the blood vessel which supplies the bone and tissues of the mandible (lower jaw). Among the arteries of the face, it has one of the longest courses, sending many secondary side branches. It is also known as the inferior dental artery in old anatomy books.
The inferior alveolar artery arises from the inferior side of first portion of the maxillary artery, which is the mandibular part. Then it stretches downwards and forwards, running through the mandibular foramen. Together with the inferior alveolar nerve and vein, it travels into the mandibular canal.
Branches
Before entering the mandibular canal, the inferior alveolar artery gives off the mylohyoid artery, which descends obliquely forwards to supply the mylohyoid and digastric muscles. As it runs through the mandibular canal, the inferior alveolar gives off the dental arteries, which are small side branches that bring oxygenated blood to the teeth, tooth sockets, gum, and the spongy substance of mandible.
Before anastomosing with the terminal portion of its contralateral artery, the inferior alveolar gives off the mental artery. This branch makes its way through the mental foramen, emerging superficially on the other side on the forward portion of mandible to supply the region of chin and lower lip, anastomosing with small branches of the inferior labial artery, which originates from the facial artery.
Below, a schematic picture of the external carotid and the maxillary in the right side of face, showing the point of origin and course of the inferior alveolar artery.
