if you fracture the condyle below the pterygoid fovea, what supplies blood to keep the condylar head alive?

Question

The answer choices are
1) twigs off the maxillary artery
2) inferior alveolar branches off the lateral pterygoid artery
3) infraorbital artery

This question is in regards to the mandibular condyle, what supplies blood innervation to the head of the condyle if there is a fracture below the point of the pterygoid fovea (point of lateral pterygoid muscle attachment)

Answer 1

The most probable answer should be twigs off the maxillary artery. It lies just medial to the condylar head and neck and is the source of blood supply to the tmj as well. The inferior alveolar is a bit too medial and separated by the bulk of the muscle from the joint region to be actually the source of blood supply. Well, in any case, i will try to reconfirm this again!

Answer 2

Dang it you're making me think back to dental hygiene school again! I'm done with boards! LOL

I would say something to do with the maxillary artery because the infraorbital has to do with the eye.... and inferior alveolar deals with the lower teeth... so I can see how that would possibly deal with the condyle....

I can't give you a correct answer on this one.

Check GOOGLE

Answer 3

Look up in Frank Netter (sp?) anatomy book in the head and neck section. I think it cant be #3, i guess it should be #1

Answer 4

I was going to look this up for you, but SOMEONE has taken both my Grant's and Grey's!!! I would say it's #1, though, but can't verify it with a reference.