What do the alveolar canals on the posterior surface of the maxilla transmit?

• A. PSA nerves & vessels
• B. ASA nerves & vessels
• C. Infraorbital nerves
• D. Greater palatine nerves

Answer: (A)

The alveolar canals on the posterior surface of the maxilla transmit the posterior superior alveolar nerves along with their accompanying vessels. This pathway comes from the maxillary division, with the posterior superior alveolar nerve and vessels traveling through these canals/foramina to reach the posterior maxillary teeth and the buccal gingiva. That is why they are targeted to anesthetize the molar region.

The other options don’t fit because they involve different channels and nerve paths: the anterior superior alveolar nerves and vessels travel with the infraorbital nerve through the infraorbital canal to the anterior maxilla; the infraorbital nerve itself runs in the infraorbital canal; and the greater palatine nerves go through the greater palatine canal to the palate.