What is the pterygoid plexus?

What is the pterygoid plexus?

The pterygoid venous plexus is an extensive valveless plexus of veins that parallels the medial two thirds of the maxillary artery on the lateral aspect of the medial pterygoid muscle, within the infratemporal fossa. From: Head, Neck, and Orofacial Infections, 2016.

Why is pterygoid plexus important?

The pterygoid plexus functions to return the blood to the heart; this occurs during the movement of the lateral pterygoid, generating a pumping action of the blood back to the heart.

What makes up the pterygoid plexus?

The pterygoid venous plexus (plural: plexuses) is a small intercommunicating cluster of venules that is intimately related to the lateral pterygoid muscle, lying both intramuscularly and around the muscle. The plexus is formed by very small veins that are the venous counterparts to the branches of the maxillary artery.

What is the importance of pterygoid plexus to dentistry?

It is an important region because of the potential to spread dental infection; it can also be inadvertently penetrated when administering a block injection of the posterior superior alveolar nerve, potentially resulting in a haematoma.

Where is pterygoid plexus located?

infratemporal fossa
The pterygoid venous plexus is a venous network that surrounds the pterygoid segment of the maxillary artery. It is located within the infratemporal fossa, lying partly between temporal and lateral pterygoid muscle, and partly between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles.

Which artery passes infratemporal fossa?

The maxillary artery
The maxillary artery is the seventh branch of the external carotid artery. It courses through the infratemporal fossa between the sphenomandibular ligament and condylar process of the mandible to enter the pterygopalatine fossa.

What does pterygoid plexus drain?

The pterygoid plexus drains many deep structures of the head, including the palate, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, auditory tube and deep parts of the scalp in the temporal region. It is continued by a short maxillary vein, which lies deep to the neck of the mandible.

Where does pterygoid venous plexus drain into?

maxillary vein
The plexus itself drains via the maxillary vein before it forms the retromandibular vein. Emissary veins also anastomose between the plexus and the cavernous sinus, via the foramina ovale and lacerum.

Where does the retromandibular vein drain?

The retromandibular vein is located in the facial area in front of the ear. This is a paired vein, with one on each side of the face. This deep vein of the face drains deoxygenated blood from various parts of the head and itself drains into the jugular veins to return the blood to the heart and lungs.

Is infratemporal fossa bone?

The infratemporal fossa is an irregularly shaped cavity that is a part of the skull. It is situated below and medial to the zygomatic arch. It is not fully enclosed by bone in all directions….

What are bones of each wall of infratemporal fossa?

Anteriorly, the maxilla. Posteriorly, the styloid and condylar processes. Medially, the sphenoid and palatine bones. Laterally, the ramus and the coronoid process of the mandible.

What is parotid bed?

the structures that surround and contact the parotid gland, forming the boundaries of the parotid space: anteriorly, the ramus of the mandible flanked by the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles; medially, the pharyngeal wall, carotid sheath and structures originating from the styloid process; posteriorly, the mastoid …

2 Foundation Don Carlo Gnocchi IRCCS The pterygoid plexus is a complex of veins located in the infratemporal fossa of the skull with comprehensive connections to surrounding veins and anatomical structures.

Where is the pterygium located in the brain?

It is found in the infratemporal fossa, lying partly between temporal and lateral pterygoid muscles, and partly between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles.

What are the signs and symptoms of oozing after pterygoid plexus surgery?

Oozing from the pterygoid plexus of the veins usually responds to intraoperative packing and electrocautery. During the early postoperative period, hemorrhage may manifest as increased drainage from the suction drains or as an accumulation under the skin flaps.

What connects the cavernous sinus and the pterygoid plexus?

This emissary vein connects the cavernous sinus and the pterygoid plexus (Mettler, 1948 ). The analogy is suggested by the similar location of the interpterygoid foramen of rats and the foramen of Vesalius in humans because both are situated medial to the foramen ovale.