The middle meningeal artery (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 portions of the Dura mater via an anterior ramus and a posterior ramus.
Clinical relevance
Injury to the middle meningeal artery can lead to an Epidural hematoma. Coagulation of the middle meningeal artery can generally be performed intraoperatively without further consequences.
Imaging
Embolization of the middle meningeal artery
In some hospitals, endovascular embolization of the middle meningeal artery is used as a treatment for recurrent chronic subdural hematomas[^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 the dura mater as well as the trigeminal ganglion. However, the accessory meningeal artery may also arise from the middle meningeal artery.