Buccal artery: anatomy of the deep cheek
Quick facts
- Definition
- Branch of the maxillary artery that supplies the cheek in a deep plane.
- Relationship
- Runs over the buccinator muscle, close to the buccal nerve.
- Supplies
- Buccinator, mucosa and cheek tissues.
- Communication
- Anastomosis with branches of the facial artery.
- In facial harmonization
- Part of the applied anatomy of the deep cheek, near the buccal fat pad.
The buccal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery. It heads to the cheek, in a deep plane, resting on the buccinator muscle, and supplies that muscle, the oral mucosa and nearby tissues.
Where is it located?
In the cheek, the deep space contains the buccinator muscle, the buccal fat pad and the bundle of vessels and nerves that accompany it. The buccal artery runs alongside the buccal nerve (sensory, from the mandibular nerve) and relates to the buccal branch of the facial nerve, which is motor and a separate branch.
| Structure | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Buccinator muscle | Lies over it |
| Buccal fat pad | Neighboring, in a deep plane |
| Facial artery | Communicates through anastomoses |
| Buccal nerve | Accompanies the course |
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
The deep cheek is not the target of superficial filler, but it is part of the anatomy the professional must know. Larger deep vessels demand respect: techniques that reach deep planes carry greater risk, and anatomical variation is common.
How to explain the anatomy to the patient?
The patient does not need to know the name of the artery. It is enough to explain that the cheek has several layers, with vessels and nerves, and that the assessment is about choosing the area and the amount safely. This reinforces trust in the plan, without promising results.
Also called: buccinator artery, buccal branch of the maxillary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the buccal artery the same as the facial artery?
No. The buccal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery and runs deeper. The facial artery is a branch of the external carotid and passes in a more superficial plane. The two communicate through anastomoses.