PTERYGOMAXILLARY Meaning and
Definition
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Pterygomaxillary is an adjective that refers to a specific anatomical structure or region of the skull located near the posterior aspect of the upper jaw, particularly in relation to the pterygoid bones and the maxilla. In dental and medical contexts, it is often used to describe the union or interaction between the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the maxilla.
The pterygomaxillary region is significant as it houses important structures such as the pterygopalatine fossa, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that provide innervation and blood supply to various parts of the face and oral cavity. Additionally, this region is involved in various physiological functions, including mastication (chewing), phonation (speech), and swallowing.
In surgical and dental procedures, the knowledge of the pterygomaxillary region is crucial for surgeons, maxillofacial specialists, and dentists. Understanding the anatomy and contours of this area is vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and performing surgical interventions such as extraction of impacted teeth, orthognathic surgery, maxillary sinus surgery, and placement of dental implants.
Overall, the term pterygomaxillary refers to the specific anatomical relationship and region between the pterygoid process and the maxilla, often relevant to dental and surgical procedures involving the upper jaw and adjacent structures.
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Relating to the pterygoid process and the maxilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGOMAXILLARY
- oterygomaxillary
- lterygomaxillary
- -terygomaxillary
- 0terygomaxillary
- prerygomaxillary
- pferygomaxillary
- pgerygomaxillary
- pyerygomaxillary
- p6erygomaxillary
- p5erygomaxillary
- ptwrygomaxillary
- ptsrygomaxillary
- ptdrygomaxillary
- ptrrygomaxillary
- pt4rygomaxillary
- pt3rygomaxillary
- pteeygomaxillary
- ptedygomaxillary
- ptefygomaxillary
- ptetygomaxillary
Etymology of PTERYGOMAXILLARY
The word "pterygomaxillary" can be broken down into two parts: "pterygo-" and "maxillary".
- "Pterygo-" is derived from the Greek word "pteryx" (πτέρυξ), which means "wing" or "fin". This is often used in scientific terminology to refer to structures that resemble wings or fins.
- "Maxillary" is derived from the Latin word "maxilla", which means "jawbone". In anatomy, it specifically refers to the upper jawbone, also known as the maxilla.
When combined, "pterygomaxillary" refers to the region near or pertaining to the junction between the pterygoid process (a wing-like projection of the sphenoid bone) and the maxilla (upper jawbone). This term is commonly used in dentistry and facial anatomy to describe various structures in this area.
