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Questions and Answers
Where is the pterygopalatine fossa located?
Where is the pterygopalatine fossa located?
What nerve ganglion is located in the pterygopalatine fossa?
What nerve ganglion is located in the pterygopalatine fossa?
What is the main function of the pterygopalatine fossa?
What is the main function of the pterygopalatine fossa?
What is the significance of the pterygopalatine fossa in anesthesia?
What is the significance of the pterygopalatine fossa in anesthesia?
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What is a potential consequence of lesions in the pterygopalatine fossa?
What is a potential consequence of lesions in the pterygopalatine fossa?
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Study Notes
Location and Boundaries
- Located in the skull, posterior to the maxilla
- Bounded by:
- Medially: Perpendicular plate of the palatine bone
- Laterally: Infratemporal surface of the maxilla
- Anteriorly: Posterior wall of the maxillary sinus
- Posteriorly: Pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone
Contents
- Pterygopalatine ganglion ( nerve ganglion that supplies the nose and palate)
- Maxillary nerve (V2 branch of the trigeminal nerve)
- Pterygopalatine artery (branch of the maxillary artery)
- Pterygopalatine veins (drain into the maxillary vein)
Functions
- Relay station for nerve fibers involved in nasal and palatine sensation
- Site of parasympathetic innervation of the lacrimal gland and nasal mucosa
Clinical Significance
- Pterygopalatine fossa is a key site for block anesthesia of the maxillary nerve
- Lesions in the fossa can cause facial pain, nasal congestion, and lacrimation disorders
Location and Boundaries
- Posterior to the maxilla, located in the skull
- Medially bounded by the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone
- Laterally bounded by the infratemporal surface of the maxilla
- Anteriorly bounded by the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus
- Posteriorly bounded by the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone
Contents
- Pterygopalatine ganglion supplies the nose and palate
- Maxillary nerve is a V2 branch of the trigeminal nerve
- Pterygopalatine artery is a branch of the maxillary artery
- Pterygopalatine veins drain into the maxillary vein
Functions
- Relay station for nasal and palatine sensation nerve fibers
- Site of parasympathetic innervation of the lacrimal gland and nasal mucosa
Clinical Significance
- Key site for maxillary nerve block anesthesia
- Fossa lesions can cause facial pain, nasal congestion, and lacrimation disorders
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Description
Learn about the location, boundaries, and contents of the pterygopalatine fossa, a region in the skull that contains important nerves and blood vessels. This quiz covers the anatomical details of this region.
