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The medial pterygoid muscle originates solely from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.
The medial pterygoid muscle originates solely from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.
False (B)
The maxillary artery is a terminal branch of the internal carotid artery.
The maxillary artery is a terminal branch of the internal carotid artery.
False (B)
The lateral pterygoid muscle is primarily responsible for closing the mouth.
The lateral pterygoid muscle is primarily responsible for closing the mouth.
False (B)
The inferior alveolar artery supplies the maxillary teeth.
The inferior alveolar artery supplies the maxillary teeth.
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The mental branch of the inferior alveolar artery emerges from the mental foramen.
The mental branch of the inferior alveolar artery emerges from the mental foramen.
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The auriculotemporal nerve lies inferior to the maxillary artery near the neck of the mandible.
The auriculotemporal nerve lies inferior to the maxillary artery near the neck of the mandible.
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The middle meningeal artery passes through the foramen ovale.
The middle meningeal artery passes through the foramen ovale.
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The accessory meningeal artery is a significant blood supplier to the trigeminal ganglion.
The accessory meningeal artery is a significant blood supplier to the trigeminal ganglion.
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The maxillary artery has five branches from its second part, all of which enter foramina in bones.
The maxillary artery has five branches from its second part, all of which enter foramina in bones.
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The deep auricular artery supplies the middle ear.
The deep auricular artery supplies the middle ear.
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The infratemporal fossa shares a border with the pterygopalatine fossa via the pterygomaxillary fissure.
The infratemporal fossa shares a border with the pterygopalatine fossa via the pterygomaxillary fissure.
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The lateral pterygoid plate forms the medial boundary of the infratemporal fossa.
The lateral pterygoid plate forms the medial boundary of the infratemporal fossa.
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The infratemporal fossa's anterior boundary is the posterior surface of the maxilla, accommodating foramina for the anterior superior alveolar nerves.
The infratemporal fossa's anterior boundary is the posterior surface of the maxilla, accommodating foramina for the anterior superior alveolar nerves.
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The roof of the infratemporal fossa is entirely bony, formed by the greater wing of the sphenoid.
The roof of the infratemporal fossa is entirely bony, formed by the greater wing of the sphenoid.
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The infratemporal crest demarcates the point where the sphenoid bone transitions to become part of the temporal fossa.
The infratemporal crest demarcates the point where the sphenoid bone transitions to become part of the temporal fossa.
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The superior boundary of the infratemporal fossa is defined by the upper portion of the carotid artery.
The superior boundary of the infratemporal fossa is defined by the upper portion of the carotid artery.
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The mandibular nerve, along with its branches, including the chorda tympani, is located within the infratemporal fossa.
The mandibular nerve, along with its branches, including the chorda tympani, is located within the infratemporal fossa.
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Both heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle originate from the infratemporal surface of the sphenoid bone.
Both heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle originate from the infratemporal surface of the sphenoid bone.
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The insertion point of the temporalis muscle is the coronoid process of the mandible, located within the infratemporal fossa.
The insertion point of the temporalis muscle is the coronoid process of the mandible, located within the infratemporal fossa.
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The inferior alveolar nerve traverses the infratemporal fossa.
The inferior alveolar nerve traverses the infratemporal fossa.
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The sphenopalatine artery, originating from the maxillary artery, is the primary arterial supply to the nasal cavity.
The sphenopalatine artery, originating from the maxillary artery, is the primary arterial supply to the nasal cavity.
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The posterior superior alveolar artery's branches access the maxillary sinus through foramina located on the anterior wall of the maxilla.
The posterior superior alveolar artery's branches access the maxillary sinus through foramina located on the anterior wall of the maxilla.
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The greater palatine artery gains access to the hard palate by way of the palatovaginal canal.
The greater palatine artery gains access to the hard palate by way of the palatovaginal canal.
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The pterygoid plexus receives venous drainage from the inferior ophthalmic veins and the deep facial vein.
The pterygoid plexus receives venous drainage from the inferior ophthalmic veins and the deep facial vein.
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The infraorbital artery follows a path through the inferior orbital fissure, then along the roof of the orbit and the infraorbital canal before merging with the infraorbital nerve on the face.
The infraorbital artery follows a path through the inferior orbital fissure, then along the roof of the orbit and the infraorbital canal before merging with the infraorbital nerve on the face.
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The posterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve, divides into dental branches that typically have distinct foramina observable in a dried skull.
The posterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve, divides into dental branches that typically have distinct foramina observable in a dried skull.
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The buccal branch of the mandibular nerve supplies the mucous membrane of the vestibule alongside the molar teeth.
The buccal branch of the mandibular nerve supplies the mucous membrane of the vestibule alongside the molar teeth.
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The mylohyoid nerve, after branching from the inferior alveolar nerve, travels within the mylohyoid groove specifically created by the mylohyoid vein.
The mylohyoid nerve, after branching from the inferior alveolar nerve, travels within the mylohyoid groove specifically created by the mylohyoid vein.
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The pterygoid plexus contributes to venous return but is not influenced by the activity of the lateral pterygoid muscle.
The pterygoid plexus contributes to venous return but is not influenced by the activity of the lateral pterygoid muscle.
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The sphenomandibular ligament's attachment extends to the lingula, inferior margin of the mandibular foramen, and the medial surface of the ramus of the mandible.
The sphenomandibular ligament's attachment extends to the lingula, inferior margin of the mandibular foramen, and the medial surface of the ramus of the mandible.
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Study Notes
Infratemporal Fossa
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Location: Space beneath the skull base, between the pharynx's side wall and mandible's ramus.
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Boundaries:
- Medial: Lateral pterygoid plate, tensor & levator palati muscles, superior constrictor. Pterygomaxillary fissure connects to pterygopalatine fossa.
- Lateral: Ramus and coronoid process of the mandible.
- Anterior: Posterior (infratemporal) surface of the maxilla (contains foramina for posterior superior alveolar nerves/vessels). Gap between maxilla and greater wing of sphenoid (inferior orbital fissure).
- Roof: Infratemporal surface of greater sphenoid wing; adjacent temporal bone. Lateral to infratemporal crest, space deep to zygomatic arch (communication with temporal fossa).
- Posterior: Upper part of the carotid sheath.
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Contents:
- Medial and lateral pterygoid muscles, fat.
- Temporalis insertion to coronoid process.
- Maxillary artery and branches, pterygoid venous plexus.
- Mandibular nerve, branches, otic ganglion, chorda tympani.
- Posterior superior alveolar branches of maxillary nerve.
Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
- Origin: Two heads: upper from infratemporal skull surface; lower from lateral pterygoid plate.
- Insertion: Pterygoid fovea (beneath medial end of mandible). Upper fibres extend to temporomandibular joint disc and capsule.
- Nerve Supply: Branch from anterior division of mandibular nerve.
- Action: Draws condyle and disc forward; essential for mouth opening.
Medial Pterygoid Muscle
- Origin: Two heads: deeper head from medial pterygoid plate and fossa; superficial head from maxilla and palatine bone.
- Insertion: Angle of mandible.
- Nerve Supply: Branch from mandibular nerve.
- Action: Elevates, protracts, and moves mandible laterally; crucial chewing muscle.
Maxillary Artery
- Origin: Terminal branch of external carotid, with superficial temporal artery.
- Course: Passes deep to mandibular neck, between neck and sphenomandibular ligament. Typically deep to lateral pterygoid.
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Sections: Categorized into 3 parts (before, on & beyond lateral pterygoid), each yielding different branches.
- First Part Branches (bone): Inferior alveolar, middle meningeal, accessory meningeal, and 2 ear branches.
- Second Part Branches (soft tissue): Pterygoid muscles, deep temporal branches to temporalis, lingual & buccal nerve branches.
- Third Part Branches (pterygopalatine fossa): 5 branches with pterygopalatine ganglion and nerves; becomes sphenopalatine artery in sphenopalatine foramen.
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Branches (specific/important):
- Inferior Alveolar: Downwards and forwards, supplies mandibular teeth; mental branch (lip, skin).
- Middle Meningeal: Upwards to foramen spinosum, supplies skull bone.
- Accessory Meningeal: Upwards through foramen ovale, supplies dura mater, trigeminal ganglion.
- Ear Branches: Superficial/deep auricular and anterior tympanic artery (middle ear).
- Other Branches: Post. superior alveolar, greater palatine, pharyngeal, pterygoid canal artery, infraorbital (orbit, floor).
Pterygoid Venous Plexus
- Description: Network of small veins surrounding the lateral pterygoid muscle.
- Function: Acts as "peripheral heart," aids venous return during mouth opening; receives inferior ophthalmic and deep facial vein drainage.
- Drainage: Maxillary veins, which join superficial temporal to form retromandibular vein; or via facial vein.
Sphenomandibular Ligament
- Location: Connects sphenoid spine to mandibular lingula and foramen's inferior margin.
- Structure: Flat fibrous band.
- Contents: Auriculotemporal nerve, maxillary artery and vein, inferior alveolar nerve and vessels.
- Note: Pierced by mylohyoid nerve and artery.
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Description
Explore the anatomy of the infratemporal fossa, a crucial space beneath the skull base. Understand its boundaries, contents, and anatomical significance in relation to surrounding structures. This quiz will challenge your knowledge and comprehension of key features and functions in this area.
