ALAR ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The alar artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery, which is a major blood vessel that arises from the internal carotid artery. The alar artery specifically supplies blood to the lateral nasal wall and the external structures of the nose, such as the skin and underlying tissues.
The artery is named after its location within the region called the ala of the nose, which refers to the wing-like structure on either side of the nostrils. It travels along the medial side of the ala, running parallel to the nasal cartilages.
The alar artery is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to the lateral nasal wall. It is a critical component of the nasal vasculature system, ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of the nasal tissues.
In terms of its anatomical branches, the alar artery gives off numerous small branches that supply the nasal ala, nasal vestibule, and the skin and tissues covering the lateral nasal wall. These branches anastomose, or connect, with other arteries in the region to ensure adequate blood supply and circulation.
Understanding the alar artery's anatomy and function is essential for clinical applications such as nasal reconstruction surgeries, dermatologic procedures, and managing nasal trauma or bleeding.
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A small branch of the axillary supplying the tissues of the axilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ALAR ARTERY
- zlar artery
- slar artery
- wlar artery
- qlar artery
- akar artery
- apar artery
- aoar artery
- alzr artery
- alsr artery
- alwr artery
- alqr artery
- alae artery
- alad artery
- alaf artery
- alat artery
- ala5 artery
- ala4 artery
- alar zrtery
- alar srtery
- alar wrtery
Etymology of ALAR ARTERY
The term "alar artery" is derived from the combination of the words "alar" and "artery".
The word "alar" originates from the Latin term "ala", which means "wing". In anatomical context, "alar" is used to describe something that resembles or is related to a wing or alar structure. In the case of the alar artery, it refers to the artery that runs along the sides (or wings) of the nose.
The word "artery" comes from the Latin word "arteria", which means "windpipe" or "artery". It was believed in ancient medicine that arteries carried air rather than blood. This term was eventually adopted to describe the vessels carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Therefore, the term "alar artery" can be understood as the artery located along the sides of the nose, named so due to its anatomical resemblance to wings or alar structures.
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