Definition

Noun: - An artery supplying blood to the upper teeth: The superior alveolar artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that provides the primary blood supply to the upper jaw (maxilla) and the teeth located within it.

Usage

The term is used in specific anatomical, medical, and dental contexts to identify this particular blood vessel. - The superior alveolar artery must be carefully avoided during certain dental surgical procedures. - Bleeding from the superior alveolar artery can occur following trauma to the upper jaw.

Advanced Usage

• "Anterior superior alveolar artery": A specific branch that supplies the front (anterior) upper teeth, such as the incisors and canines.
  • The anterior superior alveolar artery is a smaller branch arising from the infraorbital artery.
• "Posterior superior alveolar artery": A specific branch that supplies the back (posterior) upper teeth, such as the molars and premolars.
  • The posterior superior alveolar artery descends to supply the maxillary molar teeth.

Variants and Related Words

• Alveolar artery: The general term for arteries supplying the teeth and jawbone. The superior alveolar artery is one type.
• Inferior alveolar artery: The artery that supplies blood to the lower teeth and jaw.
• Maxillary artery: The larger parent artery from which the superior alveolar arteries typically branch.

Synonyms

• Arteria alveolaris superior: The formal Latin anatomical term.

Noun

1. the alveolar artery that supplies the upper teeth