Pterygoidfläkan

Pterygoidfläkan is a term that appears in older anatomical literature, specifically referring to a portion of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. The pterygoid process itself is a prominent bony projection that extends downwards from the base of the sphenoid bone, forming part of the posterior wall of the nasal cavity and the anterior wall of the infratemporal fossa. The term "fläkan," of Swedish origin, can be interpreted as a "plate" or "lamina." Therefore, pterygoidfläkan likely designated a specific flattened or plate-like region within or associated with the pterygoid process.

While modern anatomical terminology often uses more precise descriptions of the different parts of the pterygoid process, such as the medial and lateral pterygoid laminae, the term pterygoidfläkan may have been used to describe a generalized or less differentiated area of this structure. Its exact boundaries and significance would have depended on the specific context in which it was used in historical texts. Understanding such terms can be helpful when referencing older anatomical atlases or research papers where they might still be encountered.