Fissura pterygoidea is a Latin anatomical term which refers to an important gap in the brain's skull base that accommodates major nerves and vessels. The correct spelling of this term relies on the use of Latin pronunciation rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, "fissura" is pronounced /fɪs.ˈsuː.ra/ and "pterygoidea" is pronounced /ptɛr.ɪ.ɡɔɪ.ˈdeɪ.a/. This accurate spelling enables better understanding among medical professionals, and improves communication and accuracy during medical training, research and practice.
The term "fissura pterygoidea" refers to a specific anatomical structure located in the skull. It is derived from Latin, where "fissura" means fissure or slit, and "pterygoidea" relates to the sphenoid bone's pterygoid process. This structure is also commonly known as the pterygoid fissure.
The fissura pterygoidea is a narrow oblique opening situated in the base of the skull, specifically in the region where the sphenoid and palatine bones converge. It is surrounded by several bony structures, including the sphenoid bone, palatine bone, and maxillary bone.
This fissure serves as a pathway for important anatomical structures, such as the maxillary nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve), the pterygoid venous plexus, the artery of the pterygoid canal, and various other small blood vessels and nerves. These structures pass through the fissure to provide sensory innervation and vascular supply to different regions of the face and oral cavity.
Understanding the location and functions of the fissura pterygoidea is crucial in clinical settings, particularly in craniofacial surgeries, interventions involving the maxillary nerve, or in the diagnosis and management of certain vascular or neural disorders affecting the face and head.
Overall, the fissura pterygoidea is an important anatomical feature within the skull, functioning as a conduit for essential nerves and vessels that supply and innervate various regions of the face and oral cavity.
Pterygoid notch, a cleft between the two pterygoid plates, lamina lateralis and lamina medialis of the sphenoid bone, into which fits the pterygoid process or tuberosity of the palate bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fissura pterygoidea" comes from two Latin words: "fissura" and "pterygoidea".
- "Fissura" means "fissure" or "crack" in Latin. It is derived from the verb "findere", which means "to split" or "to cleave".
- "Pterygoidea" refers to the pterygoid process, which is a wing-shaped bony projection located on the sphenoid bone in the skull. The word "pterygoidea" is derived from the Greek word "pteryx", meaning "wing".
Therefore, "fissura pterygoidea" refers to the "pterogoid fissure", which is a narrow fissure or cleft located between the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid bone in the skull.