Pterygospinous process

Pterygospinous process is a small bony projection that is occasionally present in the human skull. It is an anatomical variant that extends from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone towards the spine of the sphenoid. The presence of a pterygospinous process can lead to the formation of the pterygospinous ligament, which can potentially cause compression of adjacent neurovascular structures and result in clinical symptoms.

Etymology

The term "pterygospinous" is derived from the Greek words "pteryx" (wing) and "spinos" (spine), referring to the wing-like projection of the process from the sphenoid bone.

Anatomy

The pterygospinous process, when present, is a bony projection that extends from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone towards the spine of the sphenoid. It is located in the skull base, in close proximity to several important neurovascular structures, including the mandibular nerve, the maxillary artery, and the chorda tympani.

Clinical significance

The presence of a pterygospinous process can lead to the formation of a pterygospinous ligament, which can potentially cause compression of adjacent neurovascular structures. This can result in a variety of clinical symptoms, including trigeminal neuralgia, Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and Eagle syndrome. The process and associated ligament can also interfere with access to the foramen ovale during certain surgical procedures.

Related terms

• Pterygospinous ligament
• Pterygospinous bar
• Pterygospinous foramen

See also

• Pterygoid process
• Sphenoid bone
• Skull base

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