What nerves run through the pterygopalatine fossa?
The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and the vidian nerve enter from the posterior wall of the PPF. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve moves through the foramen rotundum. The vidian nerve traverses through the pterygoid canal.
What passes through the pterygopalatine fossa?
Passages
| Direction | Passage | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Anteriorly | inferior orbital fissure | orbit |
| Medially | sphenopalatine foramen | nasal cavity |
| Laterally | pterygomaxillary fissure | infratemporal fossa |
| Inferiorly | greater palatine canal (pterygopalatine) | oral cavity, lesser palatine canals |
What does the pterygopalatine fossa innervate?
The pterygopalatine ganglion (aka Meckel’s ganglion, nasal ganglion, or sphenopalatine ganglion) is a parasympathetic ganglion found in the pterygopalatine fossa. It is largely innervated by the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve); and its axons project to the lacrimal glands and nasal mucosa.
What does the maxillary nerve innervate?
In sum, the maxillary nerve innervates the skin of the lower eyelid, the prominence of the cheek, the alar part of the nose, part of the temple, and the upper lip (Figures 2.2 and 2.3).
What is the communication of the pterygopalatine fossa with the cavity of the skull?
The foramen rotundum is located on the posterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa, superior to the pterygoid canal. It communicates with the middle cranial fossa and from there, it transmits the maxillary nerve (V2).
What is pterygopalatine?
The pterygopalatine (sphenopalatine) ganglion is one of four small parasympathetic ganglia found in the head. Although it is described as being a parasympathetic ganglion, it also carries sympathetic and sensory fibers to the nasal, oral and pharyngeal regions of the head.
What is the function of pterygopalatine fossa?
The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a small, clinically inaccessible, fat-filled space located in the deep face that serves as a major neurovascular crossroad between the oral cavity, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, orbit, masticator space, and the middle cranial fossa.
Where does the maxillary artery enter the pterygopalatine fossa?
The maxillary artery is one of the major branches of the external carotid artery. It originates near the neck of the mandible, travels through the pterygomaxillary fissure via the infratemporal fossa, and enters the pterygopalatine fossa as the terminal part of the maxillary artery.
What is the pterygopalatine?
What are pterygopalatine fossa and oral cavity communicated by?
laterally: communicates with the masticator space (or infratemporal fossa) via the pterygomaxillary fissure. anteriorly: communicates with the orbit via the inferior orbital fissure (superiorly)
What is the function of the mandibular nerve?
The mandibular nerve supplies both motor and sensory information, which means it’s linked to movement and senses. One of its most essential functions is controlling the movements of the muscles that allow you to chew. These include the masseter, the lateral and medial pterygoids, and the temporalis muscle.
What are the 3 main maxilla Foramina?
The ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve leave the skull through 3 separate foramina: the superior orbital fissure, the foramen rotundum, and the foramen ovale, respectively.
Where does the maxillary nerve enter the pterygopalatine?
Maxillary Nerve [V2] The maxillary nerve [V2] is purely sensory. It originates as the second division of the trigeminal ganglion in the cranial cavity, travels through the foramen rotundum, and enters the pterygopalatine fossa. At the pterygopalatine fossa, the maxillary nerve [V2] gives rise to the zygomatic nerve,…
What are the structures of the pterygopalatine fossa?
The pterygopalatine fossa contains fat and the following neurovascular structures: 1 pterygopalatine ganglion 2 maxillary artery (terminal portion), and its branches including the descending palatine artery 3 emissary veins 4 maxillary division of trigeminal nerve (Vb): enters via foramen rotundum 5 nerve of the pterygoid canal
Where is the fossa of the maxillary nerve located?
At the pterygopalatine fossa, it is located anterior to the pterygopalatine ganglion and gives rise to six branches that accompany the branches of the maxillary nerve [V2] and the pterygopalatine ganglion. These branches are the: Together, these branches supply the nasal cavity, the roof of the oral cavity, and all the upper teeth.
Where does the maxillary nerve leave the foramen rotundum?
Maxillary Nerve. The maxillary nerve is the second branch of the trigeminal nerve (CNV2). It passes from the middle cranial fossa into the pterygopalatine fossa through the foramen rotundum. The main trunk of the maxillary nerve leaves the pterygopalatine fossa via the infraorbital fissure.