From the Research
The neural meningeal trunk of the ascending pharyngeal artery primarily supplies the lower cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), XI (accessory), and XII (hypoglossal) as they exit the skull through the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal, as supported by the most recent study 1. This arterial branch is a critical vascular component that provides blood supply to these important cranial nerves as they course through their respective foramina. The neural meningeal trunk also supplies portions of the dura mater in the posterior cranial fossa. Key points to consider include:
- The ascending pharyngeal artery's role in supplying the lower cranial nerves and its potential anastomotic channels with other arteries 1
- The clinical significance of this vascular relationship, as compromise to the ascending pharyngeal artery or its neural meningeal trunk could lead to ischemia of the lower cranial nerves, resulting in deficits in swallowing, phonation, shoulder movement, tongue movement, and parasympathetic functions
- The close anatomical relationship between the neural meningeal trunk and the cranial nerves, which explains why vascular pathologies in this region can manifest with multiple lower cranial nerve palsies simultaneously 2, 3 The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the most relevant information for this question, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making.