Supratrochlear artery

Anatomy

It branches from the ophthalmic artery near the trochlea of the superior oblique muscle in the orbit.

Origin

The supratrochlear artery branches from the ophthalmic artery in the orbit near the trochlea of the superior oblique muscle.

Course

After branching from the ophthalmic artery, it passes anteriorly through the superomedial orbit. It travels medial to the trochlear nerve. With the supratrochlear nerve, the supratrochlear artery exits the orbit through the supratrochlear notch (variably present), medial to the supraorbital foramen. It then ascends on the forehead.

Anastomoses

The supratrochlear artery anastomoses with the contralateral supratrochlear artery, and the ipsilateral supraorbital artery.

Distribution

The supratrochlear artery supplies blood to the skin of the medial aspect of the forehead and scalp, as well as the underlying pericranium and frontalis muscle.