The ascending pharyngeal artery (ascending pharyngeal artery) is a smaller branch of the external carotid artery (carotid artery) with the latter branching off from the common carotid artery (greater carotid artery). The ascending pharyngeal artery provides blood flow to the pharynx and, with the help of a connection with the larger arteries that supply the entire cranial region, provides blood flow to the brain and neck.
What is the ascending pharyngeal artery?
The artery is one of the two major blood vessels that ensure that acid-rich blood reaches the organs. The pharyngeal ascending artery is the name given to that pharyngeal artery, and this artery joins the common carotid artery (larger semicarotid artery). The pharyngeal ascending artery is located close to the larynx and, because it joins one of the main arteries, it provides blood flow to the entire head. This artery is present in everyone as expected and does not grow as a result of degeneration or neoplasm of the blood vessels, or because of a specific disorder.
Anatomy and structure
Because the ascending pharyngeal artery is not a major artery, but instead only the part of a larger artery, the common carotid artery, attention must be drawn to this major artery in finding its anatomical definition. The ascending pharyngeal artery is connected to the soft tissues in the pharynx. This is indirectly part of the digestive system, as food is absorbed through swallowing. The pharyngeal ascending artery has three distinct layers. The first is called endothelium (group of flat cells), mixed with connective tissue. The last layer is only connective tissue. In between is a layer of musculature. The vessel wall makes the artery elastic. As the main artery, the common carotid artery is ultimately connected to the other main arteries.
Function and Tasks
The ascending pharyngeal artery supplies oxygen to the brain via the blood. In general, arteries are vessels that keep organs, tissues, and body parts alive by supplying blood. Blood is pumped through the arteries with each heartbeat. In conjunction with other arteries, organs are connected to all surrounding muscles and nerves and are oxygenated. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and thus serve the function of the entire circulatory system. Since the ascending pharyngeal artery works together with all the main arteries, it is insofar involved in the blood circulation of the whole body. For the immune defense, the arteries are generally important, because the antibodies, which render the invaded pathogens harmless, are taken out of circulation by means of the blood pathway. Toxins that enter the body through the breath as well as with the edibles are eliminated during the transport from the organ in question through the heart to the liver. Also useful substances of the food and therapeutics are transported to the cells by means of the arteries. Balanced arterial pressure ensures health-preserving speed of blood flow and thus prevents heart diseases. Thus, the ascending pharyngeal artery is also involved in this process.
Diseases
Likewise, in this context, it is necessary to mention the symptoms that are usually caused by obstruction of an artery, especially since the function of the superior laryngeal artery does not differ from that of the other arterial blood vessels. Thus, there is also a risk of degeneration of the ascending pharyngeal artery over the years. Certainly, blood clots can also be formed in it. If an artery is narrowed, the surrounding arteries may also be damaged. If the blood clots are not removed, they often end in a heart attack. This can lead to, among other things, mild heart complaints, long-lasting cardiac arrhythmias and even death. Obsessive-compulsive and anxiety states as well as dejection can occur as side effects of heart disease. Cancer cells are also carried to other organs via the arteries, where they metastasize. The same risk factors apply to the ascending pharyngeal artery as to all major blood vessels. Cigarette consumption and high blood pressure are dangerous, as are metabolic disorders (for example, diabetes). Age is an indispensable risk factor, which can be delayed only by healthy lifestyle. Diseases of the blood vessels Diseases may aggravate certain damages of the blood vessels.In the case of severe organ damage, fatigue states and other diseases of the circulatory system may develop. Often, side effects of heavy medical preparations are also to blame for acquired heart disease. If this is the case, the medication must be changed in dose, discontinued or replaced. In general, all changes in large blood vessels, for example in the cerebral artery, are detected with imaging techniques such as MRI or computer tomography. A healthy diet as well as enough exercise can prevent arterial disease to a certain point. Additional measures regarding health maintenance are indispensable for a lasting protection of the blood vessels. Blood pressure medications or heart-strengthening drugs are sometimes unavoidable, especially if hypertension or other circulatory disease is already established. This prevents exacerbations. If irreparable damage to the vessels has occurred, this cannot always be repaired with medication alone. Therefore, if necessary, a stent is used to improve blood flow when the heart vessels are narrowed to prevent worse damage and permanent disability. The speed of the aging process, arteries included, determines a person’s life expectancy.
