pterygopalatina

Pterygopalatina refers to the pterygopalatine region of the skull, most often the pterygopalatine fossa. This small, inverted pyramid-shaped space lies in the deep face, posterolateral to the maxillary sinus, bounded by the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the palatine bone.

Location and communications: The pterygopalatine fossa communicates with several neighboring spaces and cavities. Anteriorly, it opens to the infratemporal fossa via the pterygomaxillary fissure. Medially, it communicates with the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen. Inferiorly, it connects to the oral cavity via the greater and lesser palatine canals. Superiorly, it has a connection to the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure. Posteriorly, it relates to the middle cranial fossa via the foramen rotundum and the canal of the nerve of the pterygoid canal.

Contents: The fossa houses the pterygopalatine (sphenopalatine) ganglion, a parasympathetic relay that receives preganglionic fibers via the nerve of the pterygoid canal and gives rise to secretomotor fibers for lacrimal, nasal, and palatine glands. It contains the sensory roots and branches of the maxillary nerve (V2), including orbital branches, posterior superior nasal nerves (and nasopalatine nerve), and the greater and lesser palatine nerves, as well as the pharyngeal nerve. Vascularly, it contains branches of the maxillary artery, notably the sphenopalatine artery and the descending palatine artery.

Clinical notes: The region is relevant for targeted nerve blocks affecting nasal secretion and lacrimation. It can be involved in neoplastic processes or the spread of infection from the nasal cavity, palate, or orbit. Imaging and surgical approaches to the area emphasize its communications and neural–vascular contents.