This is small pyramidal space situated deeply, below the apex of the orbit
BOUNDARIES
Anterior: Superomedial part of the posterior surface of the maxilla.
Posterior: Root of the pterygoid process and adjoining part of the anterior surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.
Medial: Upper part of the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone. The orbital and sphenoidal processes of the bone also take part.
Lateral: The fossa opens into the infratemporal fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
Superior: Undersurface of the body of sphenoid.
Inferior: Closed by the pyramidal process of the palatine bone in the angle between the maxilla and the pterygoid Process.
COMMUNICATIONS
Anteriorly: With the orbit through the medial end of the inferior orbital fissure.
Posteriorly:
1. Middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum.
2. Foramen lacerum through the pterygoid canal.
3. Pharynx through the palatinovaginal canal.
Medially : With the nose through sphenopalatine foramen.
Laterally: With the infratemporal fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
Inferiorly: With the oral cavity through the greater and lesser palatine canals
CONTENTS
1. Third part of the maxillary artery and its branches which bear the same names as the branches of the pterygopalatine ganglia and accompany all of them.
2. Maxillary nerve and its two branches, zygomatic and posterior superior alveolar.
3. Pterygopalatine ganglion and its numerous branches containing fibres of the maxillary nerve mixed with autonomic nerves.
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