9. Infratemporal fossa (lecture) Flashcards
what is the infratemporal fossa?
an irregularly shaped space deep and inferior to the zygomatic arch (cheek bone) and deep to the ramus of the mandible
superior border of ITF?
inferior greater wing of sphenoid
posterior border of ITF?
temporal bone
medial border of ITF?
lateral pterygoid plate of sphenoid
anterior border of ITF?
posterior maxilla
inferior border of ITF?
medial pterygoid muscle attachment at mandible
lateral border of ITF?
ramus of mandible
what does mandibular branch of trigeminal give off?
inferior alveolar nerve
lingual nerve
buccal nerve
what does the inferior alveolar nerve (V3) innervate?
lower teeth (lower lip and jaw)
what does the inferior alveolar nerve (V3) continue as?
mental nerve
what does the lingual nerve supply?
sensory to anterior 2/3rd tongue
carries chorda tympani fibres from facial nerve (special sensory) - parasympathetic hitch hike trigeminal nerve
what does the otic ganglion supply?
parasympathetic supply of parotid gland
what can the infratemporal fossa be a site for?
a site for isolated infections
e.g. diabetic patients and rarely tumours
if infection presents in the ITF, what can be a risk?
there is a risk of cavernous sinus thrombosis due to venous communication with pterygoid venous plexus (via foramen ovale)
what can the infratemporal fossa be used as?
a site for mandibular nerve blocks
