Temporal Fossa Flashcards
What are the two main subdivisions of the temporal region?
Temporal fossa (superior) and infratemporal fossa (inferior).
What structure separates the temporal fossa and infratemporal fossa?
The zygomatic arch.
What bones form the floor of the temporal fossa?
Frontal, parietal, sphenoid (greater wing), and squamous part of the temporal bone.
What muscle occupies most of the temporal fossa?
The temporalis muscle.
What structure forms the roof of the temporal fossa?
The temporal fascia, covering the temporalis muscle.
What artery runs within the temporal fossa and is a palpable clinical landmark?
The superficial temporal artery.
What arteries supply the temporalis muscle?
The deep temporal arteries (branches of the maxillary artery) and middle temporal artery (branch of the superficial temporal artery).
What is the significance of the pterion in the temporal fossa?
It is the junction of four bones (frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal), and fractures here can cause injury to the middle meningeal artery.
What forms from the superior and inferior temporal lines?
The superior temporal line provides attachment for the temporal fascia, and the inferior temporal line marks the superior limit of the temporalis muscle.
What is the main venous drainage from the temporal fossa?
The deep temporal veins, which drain into the pterygoid venous plexus.
What nerves innervate the temporalis muscle?
The deep temporal nerves (branches of the mandibular nerve).
What important nerve passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen?
The zygomaticotemporal nerve (branch of the maxillary nerve).
What are the boundaries of the infratemporal fossa?
Anterior: maxilla; Posterior: tympanic plate, mastoid, and styloid processes; Medial: lateral pterygoid plate; Lateral: ramus of mandible; Superior: greater wing of sphenoid.
What muscles are contained within the infratemporal fossa?
The lateral pterygoid, medial pterygoid, and part of the temporalis muscle.
What is the main artery within the infratemporal fossa?
The maxillary artery (terminal branch of the external carotid artery).
What venous network is found within the infratemporal fossa?
The pterygoid venous plexus, which drains into the maxillary vein.
What nerves pass through the infratemporal fossa?
The mandibular nerve (and branches), chorda tympani, and lesser petrosal nerve.
What structures communicate between the temporal and infratemporal fossae?
The opening deep to the zygomatic arch.
How does the infratemporal fossa communicate with the pterygopalatine fossa?
Through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
What clinical symptoms may result from pathology in the infratemporal fossa?
Trismus (restricted jaw movement), mandibular nerve compression, and spread of infections.
What forms the inferior boundary of the temporal fossa?
The zygomatic arch and infratemporal crest of the sphenoid bone.
What nerves are found in the temporal fossa?
Deep temporal nerves (mandibular nerve), zygomaticotemporal nerve (maxillary nerve), auriculotemporal nerve (mandibular nerve), and temporal branches of the facial nerve.
What two bones form the zygomatic arch?
The zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone
