PTERYGOID FOSSA Meaning and
Definition
-
The pterygoid fossa is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical feature found in the skull. It refers to a concavity or depression located on the lateral aspect of the sphenoid bone, within the middle cranial fossa.
The pterygoid fossa is bounded by several important structures. It lies anterior to the foramen ovale, a circular opening that transmits various nerves from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa. The fossa is also posterior to the pterygoid process, a bony projection that extends downward from the sphenoid bone and provides attachment for muscles involved in chewing. Additionally, the lateral pterygoid plate forms the anterior wall of the fossa.
The pterygoid fossa houses the muscles of mastication, specifically the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. These muscles are responsible for moving the jaw during chewing. Inside the fossa, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues are also present.
The pterygoid fossa has significant clinical relevance, especially in the fields of dentistry, oral surgery, and maxillofacial surgery. It acts as a landmark during surgical procedures involving the jaw and also serves as a route for certain procedures, for example, inserting a local anesthetic for dental nerve blocks.
In summary, the pterygoid fossa is a hollow or depression located on the sphenoid bone that contains muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues involved in jaw movement and chewing. It is an important anatomical landmark in skull and facial surgery.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGOID FOSSA
- oterygoid fossa
- lterygoid fossa
- -terygoid fossa
- 0terygoid fossa
- prerygoid fossa
- pferygoid fossa
- pgerygoid fossa
- pyerygoid fossa
- p6erygoid fossa
- p5erygoid fossa
- ptwrygoid fossa
- ptsrygoid fossa
- ptdrygoid fossa
- ptrrygoid fossa
- pt4rygoid fossa
- pt3rygoid fossa
- pteeygoid fossa
- ptedygoid fossa
- ptefygoid fossa
- ptetygoid fossa
Etymology of PTERYGOID FOSSA
The term "pterygoid fossa" is derived from two words: "pterygoid" and "fossa".
- Pterygoid: The word "pterygoid" comes from the Greek word "pteryx", which means "wing" or "fin". The pterygoid bones are a pair of wing-like bones located in the skull, near the sphenoid bone.
- Fossa: The word "fossa" is of Latin origin and translates to "pit" or "depression". In anatomy, it refers to a shallow or deep hollow or depression in a bone.
So, the term "pterygoid fossa" refers to the depression or pit found on the surface of the pterygoid bone.
