Osteology of the Skull - Temporal & Infratemporal Fossae

inferior: zygomatic arch and infratemporal crest of sphenoid

superior: superior temporal line

anterior: frontal process of zygomatic bone and zygomatic process of frontal

medial: greater wing of sphenoid

Temporal fossa boundaries

temporalis muscle and its neurovasculature

Temporal fossa contents

superior: zygomatic arch, infratemporal crest, infratemporal surface of greater wing of sphenoid

inferior: level of medial pterygoid insertion on mandible

medial: lateral pterygoid plate

lateral: ramus of mandible

anterior: infratemporal surface of maxilla, maxillary tuberosity

posterior: mastoid and styloid processes

Infratemporal fossa boundaries

- 3 of 4 muscles of mastication

- maxillary artery and branches

- branches of trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, others

Infratemporal fossa contents

zygomatic arch (superior boundary)

This is the

ramus of mandible (lateral wall)

This is the

infratemporal fossa

This is the

infratemporal crest of greater wing of sphenoid

This is the

infratemporal surface of greater wing of sphenoid (roof)

This is the

infratemporal surface of maxilla (anterior wall)

This is the

maxillary tuberosity

This is the

lateral pterygoid plate (medial wall)

This is the

mastoid and styloid processes (posterior wall)

This is the

temporalis

This is the

medial pterygoid

This is the

temporalis

Muscles of mastication: This is the

masseter

Muscles of mastication: This is the

medial pterygoid

Muscles of mastication: This is the

lateral pterygoid

Muscles of mastication: This is the

maxillary artery

Blood supply: This is the

superficial temporal artery

Blood supply: This is the

external carotid artery

Blood supply: This is the

maxillary vein

Blood supply: This is the

pterygoid plexus

Blood supply: This is the

internal jugular vein

Blood supply: This is the

motor: muscles of mastication (4) + a couple other muscles

general sensory (hot, cold, pressure, pain): cheek, TMJ, anterior 2/3 tongue, mandibular teeth

Mandibular (V3) nerve

V3 (mandibular) dermatome

shown in pink is the

- articulation of the head of the mandible with the mandibular fossa of the squamous region of the temporal bone

- it facilitates bicondylar movement of the mandible

The TMJ:

mandibular fossa

TMJ: This is the

TMJ space

TMJ: This is the

condyle

TMJ: This is the

neck

TMJ: This is the