Inferior hypophyseal artery | |
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Details | |
Source | cavernous carotid artery from internal carotid artery |
Supplies | posterior pituitary of pituitary gland |
Identifiers | |
Latin | arteria hypophysialis inferior |
TA98 | A12.2.06.012 |
TA2 | 4467 |
FMA | 49846 |
Anatomical terminology |
The inferior hypophysial artery is an artery in the head. It is a branch of the cavernous carotid artery, itself from the internal carotid artery. It supplies the posterior pituitary of the pituitary gland.
The inferior hypophysial artery is a branch of the cavernous carotid artery, itself from the internal carotid artery.[1][2] Alternatively, it may arise from the meningohypophyseal artery.[3] It passes across the middle of the cavernous sinus. It reaches the lateral surface of the posterior pituitary.[3] It merges with the other inferior hypophysial artery.[3]
The inferior hypophysial artery may give off the medial clival artery.[3]
The inferior hypophysial artery supplies the pituitary gland,[4] specifically the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).[5] It is important for distributing vasopressin into the bloodstream.[6]
The inferior hypophysial artery was first identified in 1860 by Hubert von Luschka.[3]