30 Questions
What structures pass through the foramen rotundum to reach the pterygopalatine fossa?
Maxillary nerve (V2)
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the nasal cavity via the sphenopalatine foramen?
Nasopalatine nerve
Which nerve is not a branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion?
Anterior deep temporal nerve
Through which opening do the branches of the maxillary artery enter the pterygopalatine fossa?
Pterygomaxillary fissure
Which artery is considered the artery of the pterygoid canal?
Maxillary artery
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the posterior superior alveolar region?
Inferior alveolar nerve
Which nerve is responsible for the motor function of the lateral pterygoid muscle?
Lateral pterygoid nerve
Which nerve carries both sensory and taste functions?
Lingual nerve
Which nerve is responsible for the motor function of the mylohyoid muscle?
Mylohyoid nerve
Which anatomical structure is the connection point for the pterygoid venous plexus?
Cavernous sinus
Which nerve branch is responsible for the sensory innervation of the posterior superior alveolar region?
Posterior superior alveolar nerve
Which structure is associated with the parasympathetic innervation of the pterygoid venous plexus?
Otic ganglion
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the maxillary nerve that originates from the pterygopalatine fossa?
Ophthalmic nerve
Which of the following arteries does NOT pass through the pterygopalatine fossa?
Ophthalmic artery
What is the function of the pterygopalatine ganglion located in the pterygopalatine fossa?
It is a parasympathetic ganglion that innervates the lacrimal gland and nasal mucosa.
Which of the following nerves does NOT pass through the pterygopalatine fossa?
Optic nerve
What is the main function of the maxillary artery as it passes through the pterygopalatine fossa?
To supply blood to the nasal cavity and palate
Which of the following is NOT a communication of the pterygopalatine fossa?
Cavernous sinus through the foramen rotundum
Which nerve passes through the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa?
Mandibular nerve
Which branch of the maxillary artery supplies the pterygoid muscles in the infratemporal fossa?
Pterygoid branches
Where is the otic ganglion located in relation to the infratemporal fossa?
Within the infratemporal fossa
Which muscle attaches to the lateral pterygoid plate, forming part of the medial wall of the infratemporal fossa?
Lateral pterygoid muscle
What is the function of the pterygoid plexus located in the infratemporal fossa?
Transmits branches of the trigeminal nerve
Which branch of the maxillary artery supplies the maxillary sinus and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity?
Sphenopalatine artery
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the maxillary artery?
Hypoglossal artery
The mandibular nerve (V3) is a branch of which nerve?
Trigeminal nerve
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the pterygoid artery?
Lacrimal artery
Which of the following is a branch of the pterygopalatine artery?
Sphenopalatine artery
Which of the following is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3)?
Meningeal branch
Which of the following is NOT a branch of the maxillary nerve (V2)?
Inferior alveolar nerve
Study Notes
Pterygopalatine Fossa
- Located deep to the infratemporal fossa and inferior to the apex of the orbit
- Boundaries:
- Anterior wall: tuber maxilla
- Posterior wall: anterior surface of pterygoid process
- Medial wall: perpendicular lamina of the palatine bone
- Lateral wall: pterygomaxillary fissure
- Roof: greater wing of sphenoid
- Floor: pyramidal process of palatine bone
- Contents:
- Maxillary artery
- Maxillary nerve
- Pterygopalatine ganglion
- Ant. Deep Temporal
- Post. Deep Temporal
- Infra-orbital
- Sphenopalatine
- V3
- Septal branches
- Maxillary
- Ext. Carotid
- Middle Meningeal
- Descending palatine
- Greater palatine
- Lesser palatine
- Ext. Carotid
- Post. Sup. Alveolar
- Inf. Alveolar
Maxillary Nerve (V2)
- Pure sensory nerve, divided into three ramifications:
- Zygomatic nerve
- Infraorbital nerve branches
- Pterygopalatine nerve
- Communications of Pterygopalatine Fossa:
- Laterally: infratemporal fossa through pterygomaxillary fissure
- Medially: nasal cavity through sphenopalatine foramen
- Anteriorly: orbit through inferior orbital fissure
- Posterosuperiorly: middle cranial fossa through foramen rotundum
Mandibular Nerve (V3)
- Mixed nerve, leaving the skull through foramen ovale
- Branches:
- Anterior division: all motor nerves except buccal nerve
- Posterior division: all sensory nerves except mylohyoid nerve
- Deep temporal nerve (motor)
- Lateral pterygoid nerve (motor)
- Masseteric nerve (motor)
- Buccal nerve (sensory)
Pterygoid Venous Plexus
- Located around the pterygoid muscle
- Connections to:
- Maxillary vein
- Deep facial vein
- Inferior ophthalmic vein
- Cavernous sinus (in the cranial cavity)
Infratemporal Fossa
- Boundaries:
- Lateral wall: ramus of the mandibula
- Medial wall: lateral pterygoid plate
- Anterior wall: infratemporal surface of maxilla
- Posterior wall: anterior surface of condylar process of mandibula
- Contents:
- Medial pterygoid muscle
- Lateral pterygoid muscle
- Mandibular nerve
- Maxillary vein
- Otic ganglion
- Pterygoid plexus
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa including its connections and openings from various structures such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and orbit. Identify the pathways through which structures reach or exit the fossa.
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