Questions and Answers
The pterygopalatine fossa is located in the temporal fossa.
False
The pterygopalatine fossa is bounded anteriorly by the zygomatic bone.
False
The pterygopalatine ganglion is responsible for controlling lacrimal, nasal, and palatine gland secretions.
True
The maxillary nerve (CN V2) provides motor innervation to the mid-face region.
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The pterygopalatine fossa serves as a passageway for nerves and vessels between the cranial cavity and the face.
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Injury to the pterygopalatine fossa or its contents can result in increased lacrimal and nasal function.
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Study Notes
Location and Boundaries
- The pterygopalatine fossa is a small, pyramidal space located in the skull.
- It is situated in the infratemporal fossa, posterior to the maxilla and inferior to the sphenoid bone.
- Boundaries:
- Anterior: posterior surface of the maxilla
- Posterior: pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone
- Medial: perpendicular plate of the palatine bone
- Lateral: infratemporal crest of the sphenoid bone
- Superior: greater wing of the sphenoid bone
- Inferior: alveolar process of the maxilla
Contents
- The pterygopalatine fossa contains the following structures:
- Pterygopalatine ganglion (a parasympathetic ganglion)
- Maxillary nerve (CN V2)
- Pterygopalatine branch of the maxillary artery
- Veins that accompany the pterygopalatine branch of the maxillary artery
Functions
- The pterygopalatine fossa serves as a passageway for nerves and vessels between the cranial cavity and the face.
- The pterygopalatine ganglion is responsible for controlling lacrimal, nasal, and palatine gland secretions.
- The maxillary nerve (CN V2) provides sensory innervation to the mid-face region.
Clinical Significance
- The pterygopalatine fossa is a key location for the administration of local anesthesia in dentistry.
- Injury to the pterygopalatine fossa or its contents can result in numbness or paralysis of the face, as well as impaired lacrimal and nasal function.
Location and Boundaries
- The pterygopalatine fossa is a small, pyramidal space in the skull, located in the infratemporal fossa.
- It is situated posterior to the maxilla and inferior to the sphenoid bone.
- The fossa is bounded by:
- Anteriorly: posterior surface of the maxilla
- Posteriorly: pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone
- Medially: perpendicular plate of the palatine bone
- Laterally: infratemporal crest of the sphenoid bone
- Superiorly: greater wing of the sphenoid bone
- Inferiorly: alveolar process of the maxilla
Contents
- The pterygopalatine fossa contains:
- Pterygopalatine ganglion (a parasympathetic ganglion)
- Maxillary nerve (CN V2)
- Pterygopalatine branch of the maxillary artery
- Accompanying veins
Functions
- The pterygopalatine fossa serves as a passageway for nerves and vessels between the cranial cavity and the face.
- The pterygopalatine ganglion controls lacrimal, nasal, and palatine gland secretions.
- The maxillary nerve (CN V2) provides sensory innervation to the mid-face region.
Clinical Significance
- The pterygopalatine fossa is a key location for administering local anesthesia in dentistry.
- Injury to the fossa or its contents can result in:
- Numbness or paralysis of the face
- Impaired lacrimal and nasal function
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Description
Learn about the location and boundaries of the pterygopalatine fossa, a small pyramidal space in the skull. Identify its position in the infratemporal fossa and its surrounding bones.
