Unit 4 - Head and Neck: Pterygopalatine Fossa (Ex. III) Flashcards
What is it?
distribution center for branches of maxillary division of trigeminal n. (CN V2) and branches of maxillary a.
S boundary
apex of orbit
A boundary
maxillary sinus
P
L pterygoid plate of sphenoid
L boundary
pterygoaxillary fissure
M boundary
vertical plate of palatine bone
contents
pterygopalatine part of maxillary a., branches, and vv.
n. of pterygoid canal
pterygopalatine ganglion
maxillary division of trigeminal n. (CN V2) and branches
With what does it communicate?
A –> orbit
M –> nasal cavity and palate
P –> middle cranial fossa and base of skull
What is the pterygomaxillary fissure?
allows the maxillary a. to pass from the infratemporal fossa to the pterygopalatine fossa
What do the branches of the maxillary a. supply?
nose
palate
pharynx
accompany branches of maxillary n. (CN V2)
What is the nerve of the pterygoid canal?
enters pterygopalatine fossa from middle cranial fossa
autonomic n.
carries:
- preganglionic PARASYMP from greater petrosal n. (branch of facial n. (CN VII))
- postganglionic SYMP from deep petrosal n. (arises from internal carotid plexus)
pterygopalatine ganglion
receives general sensory fibers from maxillary n. (CN V2) and PARASYMP and SYMP fibers from n. of pterygoid canal
PARASYMP fibers synapse in ganglion - general sensory and SYMP fibers pass through ganglion but do not synapse
maxillary division (CN V2) of trigeminal n. (CN VII)
from middle cranial fossa –> pterygopalatine fossa via FORAMEN ROTUNDUM
suspends pterygopalatine ganglion via 2 small ganglionic nn. - transmit general sensory fibers of maxillary n.
distributes postganglionic PARASYMP (secretomotor) and SYMP (vasoconstrictive) fibers to lacrimal, nasal, palatial, and pharyngeal glands
distributes general sensory fibers to midface, maxillary sinus, maxillary teeth, nasal cavity, palate, and S pharynx
location
M to infratemporal fossa
