Which main artery is responsible for the other arteries in the vascular supply of the TMJ?

• A. Internal Carotid Artery
• B. External Carotid Artery
• C. Common Carotid Artery
• D. Subclavian Artery

Answer: (B)

The main artery feeding the TMJ comes from the external carotid artery. The TMJ’s blood supply is derived from branches that originate in this vessel, including those that travel to the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Because these arteries for the TMJ come from the external carotid system, it serves as the primary source for the joint’s arterial network.

In contrast, the internal carotid artery mostly supplies brain and ocular regions and does not directly feed the TMJ. The common carotid artery is the parent that divides into external and internal branches, but for the TMJ the key supplier is the external carotid. The subclavian artery mainly serves the upper limb and some neck muscles, not the principal supply to the TMJ.