Pterygoid plexus

Pterygoid Plexus

The Pterygoid Plexus is a venous plexus (a network of interconnected veins) situated in relation to the pterygoid muscles, in the infratemporal fossa, a space in the skull located below and medial to the zygomatic arch. It communicates anteriorly with the facial vein, and posteriorly with the cavernous sinus.

Structure

The Pterygoid Plexus is located in the infratemporal fossa, deep to the temporalis muscle. It is formed by the maxillary vein and the posterior superior alveolar veins. The plexus drains into the maxillary vein, and is connected to the cavernous sinus through small emissary veins which pass through the foramen ovale, and the foramen lacerum.

Function

The Pterygoid Plexus serves as a venous drainage route for the face and oral cavity. It collects blood from the temporal region, the tonsils, the parotid gland, and the nasal cavity. It also plays a role in the spread of infections from the face and oral cavity to the brain, due to its communication with the cavernous sinus.

Clinical significance

Infections from the teeth, tonsils, nasal cavity, or face can spread to the Pterygoid Plexus, and from there to the brain, leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis, a serious condition that can cause stroke, meningitis, or brain abscess. This is due to the absence of valves in the veins of the plexus, which allows blood (and any infections it carries) to flow in any direction.

See also

• Vein
• Venous plexus
• Cavernous sinus
• Infratemporal fossa
• Maxillary vein
• Facial vein