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1 Borders
1.1 Clinical Relevance Surface Anatomy of the Infratemporal Fossa
2 Contents
The infratemporal fossa is a complex and irregularly shaped space, located deep to
the masseter muscle. It acts as a conduit for many neurovascular structures that
travel between the cranial cavity and other structures of the head.
In this article we shall look at the anatomy of the infratemporal fossa its
boundaries, contents, and clinical significance.
Borders
The infratemporal fossa can be said to have a wedge shape. It is located deep to the
masseter muscle and zygomatic arch (to which the masseter attaches). The
fossa is connected to the pterygopalatine fossa by the pterygomaxillary fissure and
also communicates with the temporal fossa superiorly.
The boundaries of the infratemporal fossa are formed by bone and soft tissue:
The floor of the infratemporal fossa is comprised of the medial pterygoid muscle,
while the roof is formed by the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Two foramina
open out on the roof the foramen ovale and foramen spinosum. They provide a
connection with the cranial cavity.
Contents
The infratemporal fossa acts as a pathway for neurovascular structures passing
between the cranial cavity, pterygopalatine fossa and temporal fossa. It also contains
some of the muscles of mastication.
Muscles
Nerves
There are numerous nervous structures located within the infratemporal fossa:
Mandibular nerve a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). It enters the
fossa via the foramen ovale, giving rise to motor and sensory branches. The
sensory branches continue inferiorly to provide innervation to some of the
cutaneous structures of the face.
Auriculotemporal, buccal, lingual and inferior alveolar nerves sensory
branches of the trigeminal nerve.
Chorda tympani a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). It follows the
anatomical course of the lingual nerve and provides taste innervation to the
anterior 2/3 of the tongue.
Otic ganglion a parasympathetic collection of neurone cell bodies. Nerve
fibres leaving this ganglion hitchhike along the auriculotemporal nerve to reach
the parotid gland.
Vasculature
The maxillary artery (terminal branch of the external carotid artery) travels through
the infratemporal fossa. Within the fossa, it gives rise to the middle meningeal
artery, which travels into the cranial cavity via the foramen spinosum. Clinically this
is important as a site of traumatic bleed as the middle meningeal passes underneath
the pterion.
The pterygoid venous plexus is directly connected to the cavernous sinus, and
drains the eye and its locality. Infections of the skin and eye socket are able to track
back into the plexus, and on up into the cavernous sinus where meningitis is a
substantial risk. Other veins in the fossa include the maxillary vein and middle
meningeal vein, both of which you might expect.