Which artery is the major supplier to the nasal cavity?

• A. Sphenopalatine
• B. Anterior ethmoidal artery
• C. Greater palatine artery
• D. Superior labial artery

Answer: (A)

The nasal cavity is supplied predominantly by the sphenopalatine artery, a terminal branch of the maxillary artery. It enters the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen and gives off posterior nasal branches that perfuse the majority of the mucosa, especially the lateral walls and the posterior part of the septum. This makes it the main blood supplier to the nasal cavity.

Other arteries contribute but are not the primary source: the anterior ethmoidal artery (from the ophthalmic artery) supplies the anterior and superior portions of the nasal cavity and contributes to the vascular network at the anterior septum; the greater palatine artery provides some nasal mucosa blood via its nasal branches; and the superior labial artery (from the facial artery) supplies portions near the anterior septum and lower nose. However, none match the sphenopalatine artery in terms of overall supply to the nasal cavity.