Infratemporal fossa
Infratemporal Fossa
The Infratemporal Fossa (pronounced: in-fra-tem-po-ral fos-sa) is an anatomical term referring to a specific area in the human skull.
Etymology
The term "Infratemporal Fossa" is derived from Latin, where "infra" means below, "temporal" refers to the temporal bone of the skull, and "fossa" is a term for a hollow or depressed area.
Definition
The Infratemporal Fossa is a complex, irregularly shaped space located below the Temporal Fossa and deep to the Zygomatic Arch. It is filled with muscles, vessels, and nerves that are crucial for various functions such as mastication (chewing) and sensation to the face.
Anatomy
The Infratemporal Fossa is bounded by several structures:
- Anteriorly: The Maxilla
- Posteriorly: The Styloid Process
- Superiorly: The Greater Wing of the Sphenoid
- Medially: The Lateral Pterygoid Plate
- Laterally: The Ramus of the Mandible
It contains several important structures including the Temporalis Muscle, Lateral Pterygoid Muscle, Medial Pterygoid Muscle, Maxillary Artery, and branches of the Mandibular Nerve.
Related Terms
- Temporal Fossa
- Zygomatic Arch
- Maxilla
- Styloid Process
- Greater Wing of the Sphenoid
- Lateral Pterygoid Plate
- Ramus of the Mandible
- Temporalis Muscle
- Lateral Pterygoid Muscle
- Medial Pterygoid Muscle
- Maxillary Artery
- Mandibular Nerve
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infratemporal fossa
- Wikipedia's article - Infratemporal fossa
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