| pterygoid notch | The cleft between the medial and lateral laminae of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone into which the pyramidal process of the palatine bone is fitted. Synonym: incisura pterygoidea, fissura pterygoidea, pterygoid notch. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| pterygoid pit | A depression on the antero-medial side of the neck of the condylar process of the mandible, giving attachment to the lateral pterygoid muscle. Synonym: fovea pterygoidea, pterygoid depression, pterygoid pit. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid plates | See: lateral pterygoid plate, medial pterygoid plate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid plexus | A venous plexus occupying the infratemporal fossa receiving veins accompanying the branches of the maxillary artery, and terminating posteriorly in the maxillary vein; anteriorly the pterygoid plexus drains via the deep facial vein into the facial vein. Synonym: plexus pterygoideus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid process | A long process extending downward from the junction of the body and great wing of the sphenoid bone on either side; it is formed of two plates (lateral and medial), united anteriorly but separated below to form the pterygoid notch; the pterygoid fossa is formed by the divergence of these two plates posteriorly. Synonym: processus pterygoideus, os pterygoideum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid ridge of sphenoid bone | A rough ridge marking the angle of union of the temporal and infratemporal surfaces of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Synonym: crista infratemporalis, pterygoid ridge of sphenoid bone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid tubercle | A slight prominence on the posterior surface of the medial pterygoid plate, inferior and to the medial side of the pterygoid canal. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygoid tuberosity | A roughened area on the internal aspect of the mandible, giving attachment to fibres of the medial pterygoid muscle. Synonym: tuberositas pterygoidea. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomandibular | Relating to the pterygoid process and the mandible. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomandibular ligament | A tendinous thickening of the buccopharyngeal fascia, separating and giving origin to the buccinator muscle anteriorly and the superior constrictor of the pharynx posteriorly. Synonym: raphe pterygomandibularis, pterygomandibular ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomandibular raphe | A tendinous thickening of the buccopharyngeal fascia, separating and giving origin to the buccinator muscle anteriorly and the superior constrictor of the pharynx posteriorly. Synonym: raphe pterygomandibularis, pterygomandibular ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomandibular space | The area between the mandibular ramus and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomaxillare | The point where the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the pterygoid process of the maxilla begin to form the pterygomaxillary fissure; the lowest point of the opening is used in cephalometrics. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pterygomaxillary | <anatomy> Of or pertaining to the inner pterygoid plate, or pterygoid bone, and the lower jaw. Origin: Pterygoid + maxillary. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pterygomaxillary fissure | The narrow gap between the lateral pterygoid plate and the infratemporal surface of the maxilla through which the infratemporal fossa communicates with the pterygopalatine fossa; gives passage to the third part of the maxillary artery and the posterior superior alveolar arteries, veins and nerves. Synonym: fissura pterygomaxillaris, fissura pterygopalatina. (05 Mar 2000) |