Objective To explore anatomical feature of the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery, in order to provide the anatomic basis for ligating the maxillary artery, resecting tumors and craniofacial surgery. Methods Twenty-one adult cadaveric heads were dissected via three surgical approaches. The course, diameter, length, branches and patterns of the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery were observed. Results The pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery was located in the superior posterior part of the intratemporal surface. The pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery was classified into five types: Y type(26.19%), intermediate type(33.33%), T type(21.43%), M type(11.90%) and other type(7.14%). The diameter and length of the pterygopalatine part of the maxillary artery were (2.61±0.39)mm and (19.44±3.62)mm. It sent off seven branches which were the posterior superior alveolar artery, the infraorbital artery, the foramen rotundum artery, the pterygoid canal artery, the descending palatine artery, the sphenopalatine artery and the palatine vaginal artery. However, the variability of branches was common. The anterior deep temporal artery served as a reference landmark to localize the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery. Conclusion It is important to be familiar with the pathway, the type and branch patterns of the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery for guiding surgery approach to the pterygopalatine fossa and red