Posterior epistaxis most commonly involves which artery?

• A. Kiesselbach's plexus
• B. Anterior ethmoidal artery
• C. Sphenopalatine artery
• D. Palatine artery

Answer: (D)

Posterior epistaxis arises from arteries supplying the posterior nasal cavity, with the sphenopalatine artery being the most common source. This artery, a terminal branch of the maxillary, travels to the posterior nasal wall and septum, where bleeding tends to be brisk and harder to control with simple anterior packing. In contrast, anterior epistaxis is most often from Kiesselbach’s plexus on the anterior septum, a network of several small arteries, and the anterior ethmoidal artery is part of the anterior source. The palatine artery primarily supplies the palate via its branches and is not the typical culprit for posterior nasal bleeds.