Different dural branches of the OA with their respective supply and anastomoses
OA Branches | Origin from the OA | Foramen | Dural Territory | Possible Anastomosis | Clinical Consequences in Case of Embolism |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deep recurrent OA | First segment | Superior orbital fissure | Superior orbital fissure (lateral part), sphenoid wing | Inferolateral trunk (ICA) | Cerebrovascular accident |
Superficial recurrent OA | Second segment | Superior orbital fissure | Anterior clinoid processLesser sphenoid wingMiddle fossa (anteromedial portion) | Posterior ethmoidal arteryMMA (anterior division)Medial tentorial artery (ICA) | Cerebrovascular accident, loss of vision |
Anterior ethmoidal artery | Third segment | Anterior ethmoidal canal | Anterior convexity (anterior meningeal artery)Anterior cranial fossa (medial third)Anterior falx cerebri (anterior falcine artery) | Contralateral anterior ethmoidal arteryBilateral MMAsPosterior ethmoidal arteryOlfactory branch (ACA) | |
Posterior ethmoidal artery | Third segment | Posterior ethmoidal canal | Anterior cranial fossa (medial third)Anterior clinoid processChiasmatic groove | Contralateral posterior ethmoidal arteryAnterior ethmoidal arteryMMA (anterior division) |
Note:—ACA indicates anterior cerebral artery.