Abstract:

Objective　To study the anatomical characteristics of sphenopalatine artery and its branches in order to offer anatomical evidence for harvest of endonasal flap.　Methods　Twenty sides of 10 adult cadaver heads were used. The sphenopalatine arteries and their branches were observed using microscope.　Results　The sphenopalatine artery is the main blood supply of the lateral nasal wall. It divides into two major branches (the posterior lateral nasal artery and the septal artery) before or after traveling through the sphenopalatine foramen. The posterior septal artery divided into 2 branches in the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. The distance between the main stem or the superior branch of the posterior septal artery to sphenoid ostium was (3.95±0.74) mm, and the main stem or the inferior branch of the posterior septal artery to arch of choana was (8.96±1.69) mm, approximately 10 mm anteroinferior to the posterior end of the middle turbinate.　Conclusion　Familiarity with the anatomic features of sphenopalatine artery and its branches to obtain endonasal flap has important significance. When harvesting the nasoseptal flap, the posterior superior incision should not venture lower than the level of the inferior aspect of the sphenoid ostium and the inferior incision should be near the arch of the choanae. When harvesting the inferior turbinate flap and the middle turbinate flap, We should pay more attention to the area which is 10 mm anterior to the posterior attachment of inferior turbinate on the lateral nasal wall close to the inferior turbinate and 10 mm anteroinferior to the posterior end of the middle turbinate.

Key words: Endonasal flap, 　Microsurgical anatomy, 　Sphenopalatine artery