The ascending pharyngeal artery is the first and smallest branch of the external carotid artery, which springs from its medial side near its lower end. It runs upwards along the side of the pharynx hidden under cover of the carotid arteries.

 

Its branches are:

 

Pharyngeal, to the pharynx, pharyngotympanic tube, tonsil, and palate;

Muscular, to the prevertebral muscles;

Inferior tympanic, which accompanies the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve to the middle ear;

Meningeal, which enters the skull through the foream lacerum, jugular formamen, and anterior condylar canal.