Pterygopalatine Fossa: Not a Mystery!

Can Assoc Radiol J. 2017 May;68(2):122-130. doi: 10.1016/j.carj.2016.08.001. Epub 2016 Dec 6.

Abstract

The pterygopalatine fossa is an important anatomic crossroads that is connected with numerous intra- and extracranial spaces via foramina and fissures. Although this fossa is small, its central location in the skull base and its communications provide clinical, radiological, and anatomical significance. In this pictorial review, we aimed to describe the radiologic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa, as well as to give some pathologic examples to better understand this major conduit.

Keywords: Anatomy; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pterygopalatine fossa.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pterygopalatine Fossa / anatomy & histology*
  • Pterygopalatine Fossa / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*