Spheno-maxillary fossa

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

Spheno-maxillary fossa is a complex anatomical area located in the skull. It is also known as the pterygopalatine fossa and is a part of the human skull.

Etymology[edit]

The term "spheno-maxillary fossa" is derived from the Greek words "sphen" meaning wedge and "maxilla" meaning jawbone. The term "pterygopalatine" is derived from the Greek words "pteryx" meaning wing and "palate" meaning roof of the mouth.

Anatomy[edit]

The spheno-maxillary fossa is a small, pyramid-shaped space located between the sphenoid bone and the maxillary bone. It is bordered by the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the palatine bone. The fossa contains several important structures including the pterygopalatine ganglion, branches of the maxillary nerve, and the sphenopalatine artery.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Due to its location and the structures it contains, the spheno-maxillary fossa is clinically significant in several medical fields including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery. It is often involved in surgical procedures to treat conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, and tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Related Terms[edit]

Stub icon

This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page.


Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Spheno-maxillary_fossa&oldid=6522274"