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Questions and Answers
The pterygopalatine fossa is situated between the anterior surface of the maxilla and the posterior aspect of the ethmoid bone.
The pterygopalatine fossa is situated between the anterior surface of the maxilla and the posterior aspect of the ethmoid bone.
False (B)
The pterygomaxillary fissure provides a communication route between the pterygopalatine fossa and the middle cranial fossa.
The pterygomaxillary fissure provides a communication route between the pterygopalatine fossa and the middle cranial fossa.
False (B)
The pyramidal process of the palatine bone connects the maxilla and the lateral pterygoid plate within the infratemporal fossa.
The pyramidal process of the palatine bone connects the maxilla and the lateral pterygoid plate within the infratemporal fossa.
True (A)
The greater palatine canal directly links the pterygopalatine fossa to the nasal cavity.
The greater palatine canal directly links the pterygopalatine fossa to the nasal cavity.
The perpendicular plate of the palatine bone articulates with the sphenoid bone via a single limb.
The perpendicular plate of the palatine bone articulates with the sphenoid bone via a single limb.
The sphenopalatine foramen, which connects the pterygopalatine fossa to the nasal cavity, is bordered solely by the sphenoid bone.
The sphenopalatine foramen, which connects the pterygopalatine fossa to the nasal cavity, is bordered solely by the sphenoid bone.
The pterygoid canal is located within the palatine bone.
The pterygoid canal is located within the palatine bone.
The roof of the pterygopalatine fossa is formed by the body of the ethmoid bone.
The roof of the pterygopalatine fossa is formed by the body of the ethmoid bone.
The foramen rotundum provides passage for the mandibular nerve directly into the pterygopalatine fossa.
The foramen rotundum provides passage for the mandibular nerve directly into the pterygopalatine fossa.
The maxillary nerve, upon exiting the pterygopalatine fossa, proceeds medially via the superior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.
The maxillary nerve, upon exiting the pterygopalatine fossa, proceeds medially via the superior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.
The lateral posterior superior nasal nerves traverse the sphenopalatine foramen to innervate the posteroinferior quadrant of the lateral nasal wall.
The lateral posterior superior nasal nerves traverse the sphenopalatine foramen to innervate the posteroinferior quadrant of the lateral nasal wall.
The greater palatine nerve enters the greater palatine canal and provides innervation to the mucous membrane of the soft palate.
The greater palatine nerve enters the greater palatine canal and provides innervation to the mucous membrane of the soft palate.
Nasal branches from the greater palatine nerve are responsible for sensory supply to the posteroinferior aspect of the lateral nasal wall.
Nasal branches from the greater palatine nerve are responsible for sensory supply to the posteroinferior aspect of the lateral nasal wall.
The lesser palatine nerves, typically four in number, traverse the lesser palatine foramina to innervate the soft palate and palatine tonsil.
The lesser palatine nerves, typically four in number, traverse the lesser palatine foramina to innervate the soft palate and palatine tonsil.
The pharyngeal nerve uses the optic canal to reach the roof of the nasopharynx.
The pharyngeal nerve uses the optic canal to reach the roof of the nasopharynx.
Orbital branches from the pterygopalatine ganglion pass via the superior orbital fissure to supply the periosteum, orbitalis muscle, and sphenoidal/ethmoidal sinuses.
Orbital branches from the pterygopalatine ganglion pass via the superior orbital fissure to supply the periosteum, orbitalis muscle, and sphenoidal/ethmoidal sinuses.
The maxillary artery courses through the petrotympanic fissure to reach the pterygopalatine fossa.
The maxillary artery courses through the petrotympanic fissure to reach the pterygopalatine fossa.
The infraorbital nerve travels with a branch of the maxillary artery through the inferior orbital fissure and along the floor of the orbit.
The infraorbital nerve travels with a branch of the maxillary artery through the inferior orbital fissure and along the floor of the orbit.
Veins from the pterygopalatine fossa drain, via the stylomastoid foramen, into the sigmoid sinus.
Veins from the pterygopalatine fossa drain, via the stylomastoid foramen, into the sigmoid sinus.
Within the pterygopalatine fossa, veins are generally located posterior to the nerves.
Within the pterygopalatine fossa, veins are generally located posterior to the nerves.
The maxillary nerve traverses the foramen ovale to enter the pterygopalatine fossa.
The maxillary nerve traverses the foramen ovale to enter the pterygopalatine fossa.
The nerve of the pterygoid canal is formed by the union of the lesser petrosal nerve and the deep petrosal nerve within the foramen lacerum.
The nerve of the pterygoid canal is formed by the union of the lesser petrosal nerve and the deep petrosal nerve within the foramen lacerum.
The pterygopalatine ganglion is suspended straight down from the maxillary nerve because the pterygoid canal is located directly below the foramen rotundum.
The pterygopalatine ganglion is suspended straight down from the maxillary nerve because the pterygoid canal is located directly below the foramen rotundum.
The posterior superior alveolar nerve arises from the maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa and exits through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
The posterior superior alveolar nerve arises from the maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa and exits through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
All fibers within the pterygopalatine ganglion relay within the ganglion itself before distribution to target tissues.
All fibers within the pterygopalatine ganglion relay within the ganglion itself before distribution to target tissues.
The zygomatic nerve originates from the ophthalmic nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa before entering the orbit.
The zygomatic nerve originates from the ophthalmic nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa before entering the orbit.
The nasopalatine nerve exits the pterygopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure to reach the nasal cavity.
The nasopalatine nerve exits the pterygopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure to reach the nasal cavity.
The deep petrosal nerve, which joins the greater petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, carries parasympathetic secretomotor fibers.
The deep petrosal nerve, which joins the greater petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, carries parasympathetic secretomotor fibers.
The maxillary nerve directly supplies the lacrimal gland with secretomotor fibers.
The maxillary nerve directly supplies the lacrimal gland with secretomotor fibers.
The pterygopalatine ganglion is located within the middle cranial fossa.
The pterygopalatine ganglion is located within the middle cranial fossa.
Flashcards
Pterygopalatine Fossa
Pterygopalatine Fossa
A small space between the back of the maxilla and the front of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.
Pterygomaxillary Fissure
Pterygomaxillary Fissure
Connects the pterygopalatine fossa with the infratemporal fossa.
Infratemporal Fossa Boundaries
Infratemporal Fossa Boundaries
Formed by the maxilla and lower part of the lateral pterygoid plate joined by the palatine bone's pyramidal process.
Perpendicular Plate of Palatine Bone
Perpendicular Plate of Palatine Bone
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Greater Palatine Canal
Greater Palatine Canal
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Superior Opening of Greater Palatine Canal
Superior Opening of Greater Palatine Canal
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Sphenopalatine Foramen
Sphenopalatine Foramen
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Sphenoid Bone (Posterior Fossa Boundary)
Sphenoid Bone (Posterior Fossa Boundary)
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Maxillary Nerve
Maxillary Nerve
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Maxillary Nerve Course
Maxillary Nerve Course
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Palatine foramina
Palatine foramina
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Palatovaginal canal
Palatovaginal canal
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Pterygopalatine fossa contents
Pterygopalatine fossa contents
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Pterygopalatine ganglion
Pterygopalatine ganglion
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Nerve of the pterygoid canal
Nerve of the pterygoid canal
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Greater petrosal nerve function
Greater petrosal nerve function
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Deep petrosal nerve function
Deep petrosal nerve function
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Pterygopalatine ganglion branch composition
Pterygopalatine ganglion branch composition
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Nasopalatine nerve
Nasopalatine nerve
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Lateral posterior superior nasal nerves function
Lateral posterior superior nasal nerves function
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Greater palatine nerve function
Greater palatine nerve function
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Nasal branches of the greater palatine nerve function
Nasal branches of the greater palatine nerve function
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Lesser palatine nerves function
Lesser palatine nerves function
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Pharyngeal nerve function
Pharyngeal nerve function
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Orbital branches function
Orbital branches function
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Maxillary artery pathway
Maxillary artery pathway
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Infraorbital artery pathway
Infraorbital artery pathway
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Veins of the pterygopalatine fossa drain where?
Veins of the pterygopalatine fossa drain where?
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Position of vessels in pterygopalatine fossa relative to nerves
Position of vessels in pterygopalatine fossa relative to nerves
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Study Notes
- The pterygopalatine fossa is a small space located between the back of the maxilla and the front of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone.
- It plays a crucial role in the blood and nerve supply of the upper jaw.
- The fossa connects to the infratemporal fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
Boundaries
- Posterior: Sphenoid bone, including the root of the pterygoid process and greater wing.
- Medial: Palatine bone, featuring a notch that contributes to the sphenopalatine foramen.
- Anterior: Posterior wall of the maxilla, situated below the apex of the orbital floor.
- Roof: Body of the sphenoid and the orbital process of the palatine bone.
Passages
- Pterygomaxillary Fissure: Connects the fossa to the nose via the sphenopalatine foramen.
- Foramen Rotundum: Allows the maxillary nerve to enter the fossa from the middle cranial fossa.
- Pterygoid Canal: Allows the nerve of the pterygoid canal to enter the fossa from the foramen lacerum.
- Greater and Lesser Palatine Foramina: Permits nerves of the palate to enter from below.
- Palatovaginal Canal: Provides passage for the pharyngeal branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion.
- Contents: Maxillary vessels, maxillary nerve, and the pterygopalatine ganglion are located within the fossa.
Maxillary Nerve
- A meningeal branch extends to the front of the middle cranial fossa.
- Passes through the foramen rotundum.
- Traverses laterally within the inferior orbital fissure.
- Enters the infraorbital groove and canal in the orbital floor and becomes the infraorbital nerve.
- Supplies skin on the face after exiting the infraorbital foramen.
- The zygomatic nerve originates within the fossa and enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure.
- Connects to the pterygopalatine ganglion via a short, thick trunk.
- Gives off the posterior superior alveolar nerve.
Pterygopalatine Ganglion
- Serves as a relay station between the superior salivary nucleus and the lacrimal gland, as well as mucous and serous glands of the palate, nose, and paranasal sinuses.
Nerve of the Pterygoid Canal (Vidian Nerve)
- It is the autonomic root of the ganglion.
- Formed in the foramen lacerum by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves.
- The greater petrosal nerve contains parasympathetic secretomotor fibers.
- The deep petrosal nerve contains sympathetic vasoconstrictor fibers.
- The combined nerve passes forward in the pterygoid canal and joins the ganglion.
Branches of the Pterygopalatine Ganglion
- There are five branches that are distributed to the nose and palate.
- Every branch consists of sensory, secretomotor, and sympathetic fibers.
- Nasopalatine Nerve: Traverses the sphenopalatine foramen, crosses the nasal roof, and supplies the septum and incisive gum of the hard palate.
- Lateral Posterior Superior Nasal Nerves: Pass through the sphenopalatine foramen and supply the posterosuperior quadrant of the lateral nasal wall.
- Greater Palatine Nerve: Descends through the greater palatine canal and supplies the mucous membrane of the hard palate.
- Lesser Palatine Nerves: Two nerves that pass down behind the greater palatine nerve and supply the soft palate and palatine tonsil.
- Pharyngeal Nerve: Passes through the palatovaginal canal and supplies the mucous membrane of the upper nasopharynx.
Maxillary Vessels
- The maxillary artery passes through the pterygomaxillary fissure and enters the pterygopalatine fossa, lying just below the maxillary nerve.
- Gives off five branches that accompany the pterygopalatine ganglion's branches.
- The infraorbital artery passes through the inferior orbital fissure and accompanies the infraorbital nerve along the floor of the orbit.
- Veins accompany the arteries and drain into the pterygoid plexus through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
- Vessels in the fossa generally lie anterior to the nerves.
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Description
Concise notes on the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa. Key structures and their relationships are explained. This includes connections to the nasal cavity and cranial fossa.
