PP fossa Flashcards
What is the opening from the ITF to the PP fossa?
the pterygopalatine fissure
The PP fossa is the major site for distribution of what artery and nerve?
a. - maxillary a.
n. - maxillary n.
What is the anterior border of the PP fossa?
Posterior surface of the maxilla
What is the posterior border and roof of the PP fossa?
Sphenoid bone, including pterygoid processes and greater wing of the sphenoid.
What is the medial border of the PP fossa?
vertical plate of the palatine bone
What is the lateral border of the PP fossa?
PT-maxillary fissure
What are the major communicating “windows” of the PP fossa? Excluding the posterior wall
laterally- pteryogmaxillary fissure
anterior- inferior orbital fissure
medially- sphenopalatine foramen
inferiorly- palatine canal
What structures pass through the inferior orbital fissure?
infraorbital a. and n. Both continue through the infraorbital canal and out of the infraorbital foramen to distribute to the face
What are the major communicating windows of the posterior wall of the PP fossa?
Foramen rotundum and pterygoid canal both communicate with middle cranial fossa, and a small pharyngeal or “palatovaginal” canal leads to the nasopharynx.
What does the foramen rotunda transmit?
maxillary branch of trigeminal
What bone (specifically what part) can the pterygoid canal be found traversing through?
medial pterygoid plate. Run to the foramen lacerum in middle cranial fossa
The posterior canal opening is said to “continue” for a short distance in the cartilage that fills lacerum. But it’s simpler to think of it as a canal or communication from PP fossa to middle cranial fossa
What is the primary content of the pterygoid canal?
nerve of the pterygoid canal
Where is the pharyngeal canal located?
the sphenoid bone and the palatine bone that connects the nasopharynx with the pterygopalatine fossa
What doe she pharyngeal canal transmit?
It transmits the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery, as well as the pharyngeal branch of maxillary nerve.
Where are the first two “parts” of the maxillary a. located?
In the ITF. The last part is located in the PP fossa
The PP part of the maxillary artery is responsible for vascular supply to what structures?
major branches to the maxilla and maxillary teeth, the nasal cavity, and the palate
Where does the artery of the pterygoid canal branch of the maxillary a. travel and what does it supply?
The artery of the pterygoid canal passes anteriorly through the pterygoid canal from the PP fossa posteriorly to the middle cranial fossa next to the nerve (of the same name). It distributes to the upper pharynx and auditory tube.
Where does the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary a. travel and what does it supply?
The pharyngeal branch passes through the pharyngeal canal posteriorly with the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary nerve. It distributes to the roof of the pharynx (nasopharynx), sphenoid sinus, and auditory tube.