What artery supplies both the maxillary and mandibular teeth?

The maxillary artery is the correct answer because it is a major branch of the external carotid artery and specifically supplies the teeth in both the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) regions. This artery has several branches that provide blood supply to the different structures of the face, including the dental arteries, which are responsible for nourishing the teeth.

In the case of teeth, the maxillary artery branches into the posterior superior alveolar artery, which supplies the maxillary molars and premolars, and the inferior alveolar artery, which supplies the mandibular teeth. This dual supply from separate branches of the same artery makes the maxillary artery crucial for dental health and integrity.

The other options do not adequately supply both the maxillary and mandibular teeth. For example, the subclavian artery primarily supplies the upper limbs and has no direct contribution to the dental blood supply. The common carotid artery, while significant in supplying blood to the head and neck, does not directly supply the teeth; rather, it gives rise to branches that do. Separate branches of the sphenopalatine artery have a limited role and are not the primary vessels supplying the teeth.