Temporal, Infratemporal & Pterygopalatine Fossae

Question 1

Contents of the temporal fossa

Answer 1

Temporalis muscle

Question 2

Describe the infratemporal fossa

Answer 2

Space deep to the superior ½ of the mandibular ramus

Question 3

Contents of the infratemporal fossa

Answer 3

• Pterygoid muscles
• Maxillary artery
• Pterygoid venous plexus
• Branches of V_c
• Otic ganglion
• Distal part of the chorda tympani

Question 4

Describe the pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 4

Pyramidal space between orbit, maxilla & sphenoid

Ideal to connect:

• Eyes, nose, mouth & face
• Infratemporal fossa & brain

Question 5

Structures running through pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 5

V_b & terminal branches of maxillary artery

Question 6

Structures residing in the pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 6

Pterygopalatine ganglion & branches

Question 7

Boundaries of the pterygopalatine fossa

Answer 7

• Anterior wall: posterior surface of the maxilla
• Posterior wall: pterygoid process of the sphenoid
• Medial wall: perpendicular plate of the palatine bone