Infratemporal Fossa and TMJ Flashcards
What is the infratemporal fossa
Space between the base of the skull and the ramus of the mandible
Describe the boundaries of the infratemporal fossa
Anterior = posterior surface of the maxilla Posterior = styloid process Superior = infratemporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid Medial = lateral pterygoid plate Lateral = ramus of the mandible
Name 6 contents of the infratemporal fossa
- Lateral and medial pterygoid muscles
- Maxillary artery and branches
- CNV3
- Otic ganglion
- Pterygoid venous plexus
- Chorda tympani
Name the nerves of the pre-division part of the CNV3
- Meningeal branch
- Nerve to medial pterygoid
- Tensor tympani
- Tensor vali palatini
Describe the pathway of the pterygopalatine part of the maxillary artery
Passes between the 2 heads of the lateral pterygoid and enters the pterygomaxillary fossa
What branch of the maxillary artery heads into the mandible
Inferior alveolar
What branch can arise from the inferior alveolar artery
Mylohyoid
Name the 3 parts of the maxillary artery
- Mandibular
- Pterygoid
- Pterygopalatine
Name the branches of the pterygopalatine part of the maxillary artery
- Posterior superior alveolar
- Infraorbital
- Anterior superior alveolar
What veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus
Veins from the orbit, nasal and oral cavities
What does the pterygoid venous plexus surround
Lateral pterygoid muscle
What vein does the pterygoid venous plexus drain into
Maxillary vein
What does the pterygoid venous plexus communicate with
Cavernous sinus and facial vein
What cranial nerve is the greater petrosal nerve related to
Facial nerve (CN VII)
What cranial nerve is the lesser petrosal nerve related to
Glossopharangeal nerve (CN IX)
