FOSSA PTERYGOPALATINA Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "fossa pterygopalatina" refers to a specific anatomical feature found within the skull. It is a depression or cavity located in the pterygopalatine part of the skull, which is in close proximity to the pterygopalatine fossa, a larger and more complex anatomical region.
The fossa pterygopalatina is situated posterior to the nasal cavity and is bounded by various bones, including the maxilla and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. It is triangular in shape and is often described as having a pyramid-like structure. This fossa serves as an important passage for several structures, nerves, and blood vessels that are crucial for various functions within the head and face.
The fossa pterygopalatina houses several important structures, including branches of the maxillary artery, which is one of the main blood vessels supplying the face. It also contains the pterygopalatine ganglion, a cluster of nerve cell bodies associated with the trigeminal nerve. Numerous nerve branches from this ganglion innervate the nasal cavity, palate, and lacrimal glands, contributing to the sense of taste, nasal sensation, and tear production.
Overall, the fossa pterygopalatina is an anatomical landmark of significant clinical importance due to its role in housing critical structures involved in sensory perception, blood supply, and innervation within the face and head.
-
A small depression between the front of the root of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the back of the maxilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FOSSA PTERYGOPALATINA
- fossapterygopalatinna
- f ossa pterygopalatina
- fo ssa pterygopalatina
- fos sa pterygopalatina
- foss a pterygopalatina
- fossa pt erygopalatina
- fossa pte rygopalatina
- fossa pter ygopalatina
- fossa ptery gopalatina
- fossa pteryg opalatina
- fossa pterygopa latina
- fossa pterygopal atina
- fossa pterygopala tina
- fossa pterygopalat ina
- fossa pterygopalati na
- fossa pterygopalatin a
Etymology of FOSSA PTERYGOPALATINA
The word "fossa pterygopalatina" is derived from two Latin terms: "fossa" and "pterygopalatina".
1. Fossa: The word "fossa" in Latin translates to "ditch" or "trench". It is often used in anatomy to refer to a depression or hollow area in a bone.
2. Pterygopalatina: This term comprises two parts - "pterygo" and "palatina".
- Pterygo: This comes from the Greek word "pteryx", meaning "wing". In anatomy, it refers to the pterygoid process, which is a wing-like projection of the sphenoid bone.
- Palatina: This term derives from the Latin word "palatum", translating to "palate".
Similar spelling words for FOSSA PTERYGOPALATINA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
