The Infratemporal Fossa

Comprehensive flashcards covering the boundaries, communications, contents, and vasculature of the infratemporal fossa based on the lecture notes.

Infratemporal Fossa

The space that lies deep to the zygomatic arch and the ramus of the mandible.

Lateral Boundary of Infratemporal Fossa

The ramus of the mandible.

Medial Boundary of Infratemporal Fossa

The lateral pterygoid plate.

Anterior Boundary of Infratemporal Fossa

The posterior surface of the maxilla.

Posterior Boundary of Infratemporal Fossa

The styloid process.

Superior Boundary of Infratemporal Fossa

The greater wing of the sphenoid.

Communication with Middle Cranial Fossa

Occurs through the foramen ovale and foramen spinosum.

Communication with Pterygopalatine Fossa

Occurs through the pterygomaxillary fissure.

Communication with Orbit

Occurs through the inferior orbital fissure.

Maxillary Artery Origin

Arises behind the neck of the mandible as one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.

1st Part of Maxillary Artery

Located between the neck of the mandible and the sphenomandibular ligament; gives off 5 branches including the deep auricular, anterior tympanic, middle meningeal, accessory meningeal, and inferior alveolar arteries.

2nd Part of Maxillary Artery

Located superficial to the lateral pterygoid muscle; gives off 5 muscular branches to the temporalis, masseter, lateral and medial pterygoids, and buccinator.

3rd Part of Maxillary Artery

Located in the pterygopalatine fossa; includes branches such as the posterior superior alveolar, infraorbital, sphenopalatine, artery of pterygoid canal, pharyngeal branches, and greater and lesser palatine arteries.

Middle Meningeal Artery

A branch of the 1st part of the maxillary artery that enters the middle cranial fossa through the foramen spinosum.

Accessory Meningeal Artery

A branch of the 1st part of the maxillary artery that enters the middle cranial fossa through the foramen ovale.

Pterygoid Plexus of Veins

A plexus located between the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles and between the temporalis and lateral pterygoid; communicates with the cavernous sinus, inferior ophthalmic vein, and facial vein.

Maxillary Vein

Formed from the posterior end of the pterygoid plexus, it accompanies the 1st part of the maxillary artery and joins the superficial temporal vein to form the retromandibular vein.

Retromandibular Vein

Formed behind the neck of the mandible by the union of the maxillary vein and the superficial temporal vein.

Sphenomandibular Ligament

An anatomical structure listed as one of the primary contents of the infratemporal fossa.

Muscle Contents of Infratemporal Fossa

Includes the lateral pterygoid muscle, medial pterygoid muscle, tensor palati muscle, and levator palati muscle.