Sphenomandibular ligament
Encyclopedia
The sphenomandibular ligament (internal lateral ligament) is a flat, thin band which is attached above to the spina angularis
of the sphenoid bone
, and, becoming broader as it descends, is fixed to the lingula
of the mandibular foramen
. The function of the sphenomandibular ligament is to limit distension of the mandible in an inferior direction.
Its lateral surface is in relation, above, with the lateral pterygoid; lower down, it is separated from the neck of the condyle by the internal maxillary vessels; still lower, the inferior alveolar vessels and nerve
and a lobule of the parotid gland
lie between it and the ramus of the mandible.
Its medial surface is in relation with the medial pterygoid
.
The sphenomandibular ligament is most often damaged in an inferior alveolar nerve block.
The ligament is derived from Meckel's cartilage
.
Spina angularis
The great wings, or ali-sphenoids, are two strong processes of bone, which arise from the sides of the body, and are curved upward, lateralward, and backward; the posterior part of each projects as a triangular process which fits into the angle between the squama and the petrous portion of the...
of the sphenoid bone
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...
, and, becoming broader as it descends, is fixed to the lingula
Lingula of mandible
The margin of the mandibular foramen is irregular; it presents in front a prominent ridge, surmounted by a sharp spine, the lingula of the mandible which gives attachment to the sphenomandibular ligament; at its lower and back part is a notch from which the mylohyoid groove runs obliquely downward...
of the mandibular foramen
Mandibular foramen
The Mandibular foramen is an opening on the internal surface of the ramus for divisions of the mandibular vessels and nerve to pass.-Contents:...
. The function of the sphenomandibular ligament is to limit distension of the mandible in an inferior direction.
Its lateral surface is in relation, above, with the lateral pterygoid; lower down, it is separated from the neck of the condyle by the internal maxillary vessels; still lower, the inferior alveolar vessels and nerve
Inferior alveolar nerve
The inferior alveolar nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself the third branch of the trigeminal nerve .-Path:...
and a lobule of the parotid gland
Parotid gland
The paired parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands. They are each found wrapped around the mandibular ramus, and secrete saliva through Stensen's ducts into the oral cavity, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches.-Location:The parotid glands...
lie between it and the ramus of the mandible.
Its medial surface is in relation with the medial pterygoid
Medial pterygoid
Medial pterygoid can refer to:* Medial pterygoid muscle* Medial pterygoid plate...
.
The sphenomandibular ligament is most often damaged in an inferior alveolar nerve block.
The ligament is derived from Meckel's cartilage
Meckel's cartilage
The cartilaginous bar of the mandibular arch is formed by what are known as Meckel’s cartilages also known as Meckelian cartilages; above this the incus and malleus are developed....
.
External links
- http://ect.downstate.edu/courseware/haonline/labs/l27/070105.htm