Pterygopalatine

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Pterygopalatine is a term used in anatomy to refer to a region in the human body located in the skull, specifically in the Pterygopalatine fossa. This area is of significant importance due to its close proximity to several vital structures and its involvement in various medical conditions.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The pterygopalatine region is located in the posterior part of the superior nasal cavity. It is bordered by the sphenoid bone posteriorly, the maxilla anteriorly, the palatine bone inferiorly, and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone laterally.

The pterygopalatine fossa is a complex anatomical area that houses several important structures. These include the pterygopalatine ganglion, branches of the maxillary nerve, and the sphenopalatine artery.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its location and the structures it contains, the pterygopalatine region is involved in several medical conditions. These include cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, also known as "brain freeze".

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Pterygopalatine Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD