Infratemporal surface of the body of the maxilla
Encyclopedia
The infratemporal surface is convex, directed backward and lateralward, and forms part of the infratemporal fossa
.
It is separated from the anterior surface by the zygomatic process and by a strong ridge, extending upward from the socket of the first molar tooth
. It is pierced about its center by the apertures of the alveolar canals
, which transmit the posterior superior alveolar vessels
and nerves
.
At the lower part of this surface is a rounded eminence, the maxillary tuberosity
, especially prominent after the growth of the wisdom teeth; it is rough on its lateral side for articulation with the pyramidal process
of the palatine bone
and in some cases articulates with the lateral pterygoid plate
of the sphenoid
.
It gives origin to a few fibers of the internal pterygoid muscle (aka Pterygoideus internus). Immediately above this is a smooth surface, which forms the anterior boundary of the pterygopalatine fossa
, and presents a groove, for the maxillary nerve; this groove is directed lateralward and slightly upward, and is continuous with the infraorbital groove
on the orbital surface.
Infratemporal fossa
The infratemporal fossa is an irregularly shaped cavity, situated below and medial to the zygomatic arch.* anteriorly, by the infratemporal surface of the maxilla and the ridge which descends from its zygomatic process...
.
It is separated from the anterior surface by the zygomatic process and by a strong ridge, extending upward from the socket of the first molar tooth
Tooth
Teeth are small, calcified, whitish structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates that are used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or for defensive purposes. The roots of teeth are embedded in the Mandible bone or the Maxillary bone and are...
. It is pierced about its center by the apertures of the alveolar canals
Alveolar canals
The infratemporal surface of the maxilla is pierced about its center by the apertures of the alveolar canals, which transmit the posterior superior alveolar vessels and nerves....
, which transmit the posterior superior alveolar vessels
Posterior superior alveolar artery
The posterior superior alveolar artery is given off from the maxillary, frequently in conjunction with the infraorbital artery just as the trunk of the vessel is passing into the pterygopalatine fossa.-Branches:...
and nerves
Posterior superior alveolar nerve
The posterior superior alveolar branches arise from the trunk of the maxillary nerve just before it enters the infraorbital groove; they are generally two in number, but sometimes arise by a single trunk....
.
At the lower part of this surface is a rounded eminence, the maxillary tuberosity
Maxillary tuberosity
At the lower part of the infratemporal surface of the maxilla is a rounded eminence, the maxillary tuberosity, especially prominent after the growth of the wisdom tooth; it is rough on its lateral side for articulation with the pyramidal process of the palatine bone and in some cases articulates...
, especially prominent after the growth of the wisdom teeth; it is rough on its lateral side for articulation with the pyramidal process
Pyramidal process of palatine bone
The pyramidal process of the palatine bone projects backward and lateralward from the junction of the horizontal and vertical parts, and is received into the angular interval between the lower extremities of the pterygoid plates....
of the palatine bone
Palatine bone
The palatine bone is a bone in many species of the animal kingdom, commonly termed the palatum .-Human anatomy:...
and in some cases articulates with the lateral pterygoid plate
Lateral pterygoid plate
The lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid is broad, thin, and everted; its lateral surface forms part of the medial wall of the infratemporal fossa, and gives attachment to the lateral pterygoid muscle; its medial surface forms part of the pterygoid fossa, and gives attachment to the medial...
of the sphenoid
Sphenoid bone
The sphenoid bone is an unpaired bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone.The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit...
.
It gives origin to a few fibers of the internal pterygoid muscle (aka Pterygoideus internus). Immediately above this is a smooth surface, which forms the anterior boundary of the pterygopalatine fossa
Pterygopalatine fossa
The pterygopalatine fossa is a fossa in the skull. It is the indented area medial to the pterygomaxillary fissure leading into the sphenopalatine foramen.-Boundaries:It has the following boundaries:...
, and presents a groove, for the maxillary nerve; this groove is directed lateralward and slightly upward, and is continuous with the infraorbital groove
Infraorbital groove
Not to be confused with the inferior orbital fissure, which is just lateral to the infraorbital groove.Also not to be confused with the infraorbital canal, into which the groove enters, nor the infraorbital foramen, which is the canal's opening on the other side.Near the middle of the posterior...
on the orbital surface.