Palatovaginal canal

Palatovaginal Canal

The Palatovaginal Canal (also known as Pharyngeal Canal) is a small canal in the human skull that transmits the pharyngeal nerve and the vaginal artery. It is a significant anatomical structure in the sphenoid bone, located in the cranial cavity.

Anatomy

The Palatovaginal Canal is situated in the medial part of the sphenoid bone, specifically in the sphenoidal process of the palatine bone. It is a narrow, vertically oriented canal that extends from the sphenoid sinus to the nasopharynx.

Sphenoid bone, upper surface. (Palatovaginal canal not labeled, but region is visible.)

Function

The primary function of the Palatovaginal Canal is to provide a passage for the pharyngeal nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve, and the vaginal artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery. These structures play a crucial role in supplying the nasopharynx and the soft palate.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location, the Palatovaginal Canal may be affected in conditions involving the sphenoid bone or the sphenoid sinus. For instance, sphenoid sinusitis can potentially lead to inflammation or obstruction of the canal, which may result in symptoms related to the structures it transmits.

See Also

• Sphenoid bone
• Pharyngeal nerve
• Vaginal artery