Middle meningeal artery

The middle meningeal artery (MMA) arises from the Arteria carotis externa via the Arteria maxillaris. It enters the skull through the Foramen spinosum and supplies large parts of the Dura mater via an anterior ramus and a posterior ramus.

Clinical relevance

An injury to the middle meningeal artery can result in an Epidural hematoma. Intraoperatively, coagulation of the middle meningeal artery can generally be performed without further consequences.

Imaging

Embolization of the middle meningeal artery

In cases of recurrent chronic subdural hematomas, endovascular embolization of the middle meningeal artery is used as a treatment in some institutions[^1].

Accessory meningeal artery

The accessory meningeal artery is a vascular branch that usually arises from the maxillary artery and passes intracranially through the Foramen ovale, where it supplies both the dura mater and the trigeminal ganglion. However, the accessory meningeal artery may also arise from the middle meningeal artery.