Abstract:ObjectiveTo explore the anatomical characteristics of sphenopalatine artery under nasal endoscope.MethodsHeads of 10 formalinfixed cadavers (20 sides) were dissected endoscopically to observe the sphenopalatine artery and its surrounding structures. The observed parameters included the localization of sphenopalatine foramen, the shape and size of ethmoidal crest, and the relationship between sphenopalatine foramen and ethmoidal crest. The distance from ethmoidal crest to anterior nasal spine and that from ethmoidal crest to the tail end of middle turbinate were measured. The branch types and courses of sphenopalatine artery were also explored.ResultsEthmoidal crest was a bony structure with triangle shape and rough surface, and located anteriorly to the top of sphenopalatine foramen. After elimination of ethmoidal crest, the sphenopalatine artery was emerged from the sphenopalatine foramen with 2 to 3 branches. The distances from ethmoidal crest to anterior nasal spine and to tail end of the middle turbinate were (50.1±2.6) mm and (9.1±1.1) mm respectively.ConclusionsThe ethmoidal crest is an essential and reliable landmark for endoscopic localization of sphenopalatine artery and foramen. Branches may exist before emergence of sphenopalatine artery from sphenopalatine foramen.