Pterygopalatine Fossa

Question 1

where is pterygopalatine fossa?

Answer 1

medial infratemporal fossa

Question 2

7 openings of pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 2

1. sphenopalatine foramen: MEDIAL
2. inferior orbital fissure: SUP/LAT
3. pterygomaxillary fissure: LAT
4. foramen rotundum: POST/SUP
5. pterygoid canal: POST
6. pharyngeal canal: POST
7. palatine canal: INF

Question 3

contents of pterygomaxillary fissure

Answer 3

maxillary a

posterior superior alveolar n

Question 4

sphenopalatine foramen

Answer 4

sphenopalatine a (post septal br, post lat nasal brs)
nasopalatine n (V2)
post lat nasal n (V2)

Question 5

foramen rotundum

Answer 5

maxillary n (V2)

Question 6

inferior orbital fissure

Answer 6

infraorbital n (continues thru infraorbital foramen to face)
zygomatic nn (V2) (zygomaticotemporal n, zygomaticofacial n)

Question 7

pterygoid canal

Answer 7

connects foramen lacerum and sphenopalatine foramen
vidian n
pterygoid br of maxillary a

Question 8

pharyngeal canal or groove

Answer 8

pharyngeal n (V2)
pharyngeal br of maxillary a

Question 9

palatine canal

Answer 9

greater palatine n (V2)
lesser palatine n (V3)
descending palatine a (greater/lesser palatine a)

Question 10

arteries in pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 10

maxillary a in infratemporal fossa gives

1. greater palatine
2. post sup alveolar
3. infraorbital
4. sphenopalatine
5. pharyngeal
6. a of pterygoid canal

Question 11

components of vidian n and supply

Answer 11

deep petrosal n: post syn symp
greater petrosal n: pre syn parasymp
supply lacrimal gland, nasal, and palatal glands