AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpSupratrochlear artery

AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpSupratrochlear artery

Supratrochlear artery

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Nicola McLaren, MSc
Last reviewed: July 12, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Supratrochlear artery (Arteria supratrochlearis)

The supratrochlear artery is a terminal branch of the ophthalmic artery. It arises in the superomedial aspect of the orbit, then runs anteromedially to curve up onto the forehead at the frontal notch. It is accompanied by the trochlear nerve and supratrochlear vein.

After spreading across the forehead, it anastomoses with its contralateral counterpart and the supraorbital artery. The supratrochlear artery supplies the upper eyelid, periosteum, as well as the muscles of the forehead and adjacent skin.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the supratrochlear artery.

Key facts about the supratrochlear artery
Origin	Ophthalmic artery
Branches	Superficial and deep branches
Supply	Medial portion of the upper eyelid; periosteum and skin of the forehead and glabella, frontalis muscle

Contents

Course
Branches and supply
Sources

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Course

The supratrochlear artery is one of two terminal branches of the ophthalmic artery, along with the (external) dorsal nasal artery. These terminal branches arise in the superomedial aspect of the orbit, anterior to the trochlea.

The supratrochlear artery exits the orbit at the frontal (supratrochlear) notch, located on the medial aspect of the supraorbital margin. Upon emerging onto the forehead it provides small branches for the periosteum, muscles and skin of the forehead region. It terminates by anastomosing with its contralateral counterpart and the supraorbital artery.

Branches and supply

Along with the supraorbital branch of the ophthalmic artery, the supratrochlear artery provides an abundant blood supply for the forehead and glabella.

Upon leaving the orbit, the supratrochlear artery gives off two small vessels named the superficial and deep branches. The superficial branch arises at the lower medial margin of the orbital rim. It runs superomedially towards the midline, crossing the frontalis muscle. The deep branch usually emerges around the medial canthus of the eye.

The supply territory of the supratrochlear artery includes the medial portion of the upper eyelid including the periosteum and skin of the forehead and glabella and the frontalis muscle.

Learn more about the superficial arteries and veins of the head with our articles, videos, labeled diagrams and quizzes.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman’s comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.
Cong, L., Phothong, W., Lee, S.-H., Wanitphakdeedecha, R., Koh, I., Tansatit, T., & Kim, H.-J. (2017). Topographic Analysis of the Supratrochlear Artery and the Supraorbital Artery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 139(3), 620e–627e.

Illustrations:

Supratrochlear artery (Arteria supratrochlearis) - Yousun Koh

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