Infratemporal fossa

Question 1

Describe the boundaries of the temporal fossa

Answer 1

Superior and posterior- superior and inferior temporal lines
Anterior- frontal process of zygomatic bone and zygomatic process of frontal bone
Inferior- infratemporal crest deep to zygomatic arch
Floor- pterion

Question 2

What structure mainly occupies the temporal fossa?

Answer 2

Temporalis muscle mainly occupies the temporal fossa

Question 3

Where does temporal fascia attach?

Answer 3

Temporal fascia attaches at the temporal line (superiorly) and inferior splits into 2 layers attaching to the medial surfaces of the zygomatic arch

Question 4

What is the function of temporal fascia

Answer 4

temporal fascia provides resistance to the masseter muscsle

Question 5

What cranial nerve supplies both temporalis and masseter?

Answer 5

CN V supplies both

Question 6

What is the function of temporalis and masseter?

Answer 6

Both muscles function to close the jaw

Question 7

Describe the boundaries of the infratemporal fossa

Answer 7

lateral- ramus of mandible
superior- infratemporal crest of sphenoid
medial- lateral pterygoid plate of sphenoid
inferior- angle of mandible

anterior- posterior aspect of maxilla
posterior- tympanic plate, mastoid and styloid process

Question 8

Which muscles occupy the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 8

Within the infratemporal fossa lies the inferior part of temporalis and the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles

Question 9

Which blood vessels can be found within the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 9

The maxillary artery and the pterygoid venous plexus

Question 10

Which neurovascular structures can be found within the infratemporal fossa?

Answer 10

mandibular division of CN V3
chorda tympani
lingual nerve
otic ganglion

Question 11

what is the otic ganglion?

Answer 11

ganglion of parasympathetic fibres associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve and saliva production via parotid gland

Question 12

The maxillary artery is the largest terminal branch of the ECA, it is divided into 3 parts in relation to which muscle?

Answer 12

The maxillary artery is divided into 3 parts based on its relation to lateral pterygoid

Question 13

Name the 3 divisions of the maxillary artery

Answer 13

mandibular- passes between lateral and medial pterygoids
pterygoid- adjacent to lateral pterygoid
pterygopalatine- passes between heads of lateral pterygoid through pterygomaxillary fissure into pterygopalatine fossa

Question 14

Name 2 branches of the mandibular division of maxillary artery?

Answer 14

Mandibular division gives branches:
- middle meningeal (passes through foramen spinosum to meninges)
- inferior alveolar (enters mandibular foramen)

Question 15

Name 3 branches of the pterygoid division of maxillary artery?

Answer 15

Pterygoid division gives branches:
- anterior and posterior deep temporal (travels across roof of infratemporal fossa, enters temporalis muscle)
- masseteric (passes through mandibular notch to masseter muscle)
- buccal (buccinator and buccal mucosa)

Question 16

Name 1 branch of the pterygopalatine division of maxillary artery?

Answer 16

Pterygopalatine division branches to superior alveolar nerve

Question 17

Describe the venous drainage within the infratemporal fossa

Answer 17

The pterygoid venous plexus sits between temporalis and pterygoid muscles
This plexus anastomoses anteriorly with facial vein via deep facial veins and superiorly with cavernous sinus via emissary veins.