Briefly describe the pterygopalatine fossa

Introduction: the pterygopalatine fossa is a small elongated
pyramidal space between the back of the maxilla and in front of the pterygoid
process of the sphenoid bone. It is inferior to the apex of the orbit. It is
concerned with blood supply and nerve supply to the upper jaw.

Boundaries:

Posterior: Sphenoid bone (pterigoid process)

Anterior: posterior wall of maxilla

Medial: palatine bone

Roof: formed by body of sphenoid bone or greater wing of the
sphenoid.

Floor: pyramidal process of the palatine bone

Content:

1.      
maxillary vessels

2.      
maxillary nerves

3.      
pterygopalatine gaglion

communication:

the pterigopalatine fossa communicates:

1.      
laterally with the infratemporal fossa through
the pterygomaxillary fissure

2.      
medially with the nasal cavity through the
sphenopalatine foramen

3.      
anteriorly with the orbit through the inferior
orbital fissure

4.      
posterosuperiorly with the middle cranial fossa
through the foramen rotundun