Infratemporal fossa
Question 1. Define infratemporal fossa and enumerate its boundaries and contents.
Answer.
The infratemporal fossa is a large irregular space beneath the zygomatic arch between side wall of pharynx and ramus of mandible.
Infratemporal Fossa Boundaries
Anterior: Posterior (infratemporal) surface of the body of maxilla.
Posterior: Styloid process.
Medial: Lateral pterygoid plate and pyramidal process of palatine bone.
Lateral: Ramus of mandible.
Roof: Infratemporal surface of the greater wing of sphenoid.
Floor: Open and extends up to the base of mandible.
Infratemporal Fossa Contents
Two muscles: Lateral and medial pterygoids. (Note: In addition to these muscles, the tendon of temporalis muscle also lies in this fossa.)
Two nerves: Mandibular and chorda tympani.
One artery: Maxillary artery.
Two venous structures: Pterygoid venous plexus and maxillary vein.
One ganglion: Otic ganglion.
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