Pterygomaxillary fissure: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:24, 15 February 2025

Pterygomaxillary Fissure[edit]

Diagram of the pterygomaxillary fissure.

The pterygomaxillary fissure is a vertical gap in the human skull that serves as a passageway for neurovascular structures. It is located between the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the posterior aspect of the maxilla. This fissure is an important anatomical landmark in the pterygopalatine fossa, which is a deep space in the skull that houses several important nerves and blood vessels.

Anatomy[edit]

The pterygomaxillary fissure is bounded anteriorly by the maxilla and posteriorly by the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. Superiorly, it is continuous with the inferior orbital fissure, and inferiorly, it opens into the pterygopalatine fossa.

Contents[edit]

The pterygomaxillary fissure transmits the maxillary artery, which is a major branch of the external carotid artery. This artery supplies blood to the deep structures of the face, including the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and pharynx.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The pterygomaxillary fissure is of clinical importance due to its role in surgical approaches to the pterygopalatine fossa. Surgeons may access this area to treat conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or to perform maxillary sinus surgery. Understanding the anatomy of the pterygomaxillary fissure is crucial for avoiding damage to the maxillary artery and associated nerves during such procedures.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pterygomaxillary fissure''' is a gap in the human skull, specifically located between the [[Pterygoid process]] of the [[Sphenoid bone]] and the [[Maxilla (bone)|Maxilla]]. It is a significant anatomical feature as it allows for the passage of various structures from the [[Pterygopalatine fossa]] to the [[Infratemporal fossa]].
+== Pterygomaxillary Fissure ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Gray189.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the pterygomaxillary fissure.]]
-The term "Pterygomaxillary" is derived from the Greek words "pteryx" meaning wing and "maxilla" meaning jawbone. "Fissure" is derived from the Latin word "fissura" meaning a cleft or crack.
-==Anatomy==
+The '''pterygomaxillary fissure''' is a vertical gap in the human skull that serves as a passageway for neurovascular structures. It is located between the [[pterygoid process]] of the [[sphenoid bone]] and the posterior aspect of the [[maxilla]]. This fissure is an important anatomical landmark in the [[pterygopalatine fossa]], which is a deep space in the skull that houses several important nerves and blood vessels.
-The Pterygomaxillary fissure is a narrow, vertical gap that is located between the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the maxilla. It serves as a communication between the pterygopalatine fossa and the infratemporal fossa. Structures that pass through this fissure include the [[Posterior superior alveolar artery]] and nerves, and the [[Pharyngeal nerve]].
-==Clinical Significance==
+== Anatomy ==
-Due to its location and the structures that pass through it, the Pterygomaxillary fissure can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, it can be affected in cases of [[Maxillary sinusitis]], where inflammation of the sinus can spread to the structures passing through the fissure. It can also be involved in certain types of [[Oral and maxillofacial surgery|oral surgeries]], where knowledge of its location and the structures passing through it is crucial.
-==Related Terms==
+The pterygomaxillary fissure is bounded anteriorly by the [[maxilla]] and posteriorly by the [[pterygoid process]] of the [[sphenoid bone]]. Superiorly, it is continuous with the [[inferior orbital fissure]], and inferiorly, it opens into the [[pterygopalatine fossa]].
-* [[Pterygoid process]]
+=== Contents ===
+The pterygomaxillary fissure transmits the [[maxillary artery]], which is a major branch of the [[external carotid artery]]. This artery supplies blood to the deep structures of the face, including the [[nasal cavity]], [[oral cavity]], and [[pharynx]].
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The pterygomaxillary fissure is of clinical importance due to its role in surgical approaches to the [[pterygopalatine fossa]]. Surgeons may access this area to treat conditions such as [[trigeminal neuralgia]] or to perform [[maxillary sinus]] surgery. Understanding the anatomy of the pterygomaxillary fissure is crucial for avoiding damage to the [[maxillary artery]] and associated nerves during such procedures.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Pterygopalatine fossa]]
+* [[Maxillary artery]]
 * [[Sphenoid bone]]
-* [[Maxilla (bone)|Maxilla]]
+* [[Maxilla]]
-* [[Pterygopalatine fossa]]
-* [[Infratemporal fossa]]
-* [[Posterior superior alveolar artery]]
-* [[Pharyngeal nerve]]
-* [[Maxillary sinusitis]]
-* [[Oral and maxillofacial surgery]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Skull]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Anatomy of the head and neck]]