Infratemporal Fossa Learning Objectives

Question 1

Name the boundaries of the infratemporal fossa.

Answer 1

Laterally
Ramus of mandible

Medially
Lateral pterygoid plate

Anteriorly
Posterior maxilla

Posteriorly
Mastoid, styloid processes

Superiorly
Greater wing of sphenoid

Inferiorly
Mandibular attachment of medial pterygoid

Question 2

Describe the importance of the pterygoid plexus in the spread of infection into the cranial cavity.

Answer 2

Pterygoid plexus connects to the cavernous sinus in the brain via the emissary veins.

(thrombosis: blood clot (how does this relate?))

Question 3

Name the nerves found in the infratemporal fossa.

Answer 3

Mandibular V3
Auriculotemporal (suspends otic ganglion)
Inferior alveolar (comes out of chin as mental nerve)
Lingual
Chorda Tympani

Otic ganglion

Question 4

Describe the components of the temporomandibular joint, the ligaments that span it, its innervation, and movements.

Answer 4

Synovial joint

• articular tubercle (restricts anterior translation of mandible)
• mandibular fossa
• head of mandible
• articular disc (fibrocartilage, superior/inferior articular cavities)

Lateral ligament (condyle process to zygomatic arch)
Stylomandibular ligament (styloid process to angle of mandible)
Joint capsule
Sphenomandibular ligament (deep)

Innervation:
- auriculotemporal V3
- mandibular V3
- deep temporal V3
- masseteric V3
(all also innervate muscles that cross TMJ)

Muscles involved:

• temporalis
• masseter
• lateral pterygoid
• medial pterygoid