Pterygoid plates are bony structures located on each side of the skull, adjacent to the jaw joint. The spelling of this term can be challenging due to the combination of consonants and vowels. The first syllable, "pteryg-", is pronounced with a silent "p" and a "t" sound followed by "eh-rih-g". The second syllable, "-oid", is pronounced with "oh-id". The full pronunciation, as per IPA phonetic transcription, is "teˈrɪɡɔɪd pleɪts". Despite the complexity, mastering correct spelling and pronunciation is essential for medical professionals, students, and researchers working in this field.
Pterygoid plates are bony structures located in the back part of the skull, specifically in the sphenoid bone, which is situated towards the middle base of the skull. The term "pterygoid" refers to the shape of these structures, resembling the wings of a bird or a butterfly. The sphenoid bone, including the pterygoid plates, is critical in supporting various functions of the head, neck, and face.
The pterygoid plates have important anatomical features and serve several functions. They are positioned on either side of the nasal cavity, projecting downwards from the main body of the sphenoid bone. The plates are thick and curved, forming two lateral regions, the medial and lateral pterygoid plates, which enclose a space known as the pterygopalatine fossa.
These structures play a crucial role in the movement of the lower jaw, or mandible. They serve as attachment sites for the muscles involved in chewing and jaw movement, including the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. The medial pterygoid muscle attaches to the medial pterygoid plate, while the lateral pterygoid muscle attaches to the lateral pterygoid plate.
In addition to their role in jaw movement, the pterygoid plates also contribute to the formation of the nasal cavity and the hard palate. They help define the boundaries of the pterygopalatine fossa, a small space that contains nerves, blood vessels, and other structures important for the region's function.
Overall, the pterygoid plates are integral components of the skull's anatomy, participating in crucial functions related to chewing, jaw movement, and the structure of the nasal cavity.
Lamina lateralis, and lamina medialis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pterygoid" originates from the Greek word "pteryx", meaning "wing", and the suffix "-oid", meaning "resembling". The term "pterygoid" first emerged in the mid-19th century in the field of anatomy, referring to structures that resembled wings.
The word "plate" comes from the Latin word "platus" and the Greek word "plátys", both meaning "flat" or "broad". In anatomy, the term "plate" refers to a structure that is flat and usually broad.
Therefore, when combined, "pterygoid plates" refers to wing-shaped or wing-like flat structures. In anatomy, the term specifically refers to a pair of bony plates located on either side at the base of the skull, near the sphenoid bone in the human body.