pterygomaxillaris

The pterygomaxillaris, also called the pterygomaxillary fissure, is a small oblique opening that connects the infratemporal fossa with the pterygopalatine fossa on each side of the skull. It lies at the junction of the maxilla and the sphenoid bone, behind the maxillary tuberosity, and marks an important communication between these two fossa.

Anatomical boundaries and relations: the fissure is formed between the anterior boundary provided by the maxilla and the medial boundary by the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid. It lies posterolateral to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus and serves as a passage through which structures pass from the infratemporal fossa to the pterygopalatine fossa.

Contents: the most consistently described content of the pterygomaxillary fissure is the third part of the maxillary artery, which passes through the fissure to reach the pterygopalatine fossa. The accompanying pterygoid venous plexus is also associated with this region as the artery traverses the fissure.

Clinical significance: the fissure is a key surgical landmark because it provides direct access for procedures involving the maxillary artery and the pterygopalatine fossa. It is relevant in interventions such as control of hemorrhage from branches of the maxillary artery and certain approaches to pathologies in the pterygopalatine fossa.