Normal functional anatomy of the facial artery.

The functional anatomy of the facial artery consists of a group of constant arterial pedicles nourishing a specific territory and supplied by a variable facial trunk. There is a hemodynamic balance with other variable connecting trunks such as the transverse facial and internal maxillary arteries. Every type of variant, irrespective of its origin, may be understood based on the constant relationships and anastomoses involved. Knowledge of this functional anatomical system is crucial to an understanding of the blood supply to the face.