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Development of the human sphenomandibular ligament
J F Rodríguez Vázquez1, J R Mérida Velasco, J Jiménez Collado
1Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain.
The Anatomical Record
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The sphenomandibular ligament develops from Meckel's cartilage in human fetuses. Its anatomical arrangement may explain potential middle ear injuries due to tension.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Human Development
Background:
- The sphenomandibular ligament's development and anatomical relationships are crucial for understanding craniofacial structures.
- Previous considerations suggest potential links between sphenomandibular ligament tension and middle ear injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental process and anatomical arrangement of the sphenomandibular ligament in human embryos and fetuses.
- To elucidate the structural components and insertions of the sphenomandibular ligament.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of 60 human embryos and fetuses.
- Detailed observation of Meckel's cartilage development and its transformation into the malleolomandibular ligament.
- Analysis of ligamentous portions and their attachments.
Main Results:
- Meckel's cartilage forms a continuous fibrous structure, the malleolomandibular ligament, from 22 weeks of gestation onwards.
- The malleolomandibular ligament exhibits two distinct portions: juxtaarticular and tympanic.
- The juxtaarticular portion inserts on the interpterygoid aponeurosis, while the tympanic portion receives the temporomandibular joint disc.
Conclusions:
- The anatomical configuration of the sphenomandibular ligament, particularly its relationship with the middle ear structures, is clearly defined.
- The study provides a basis for understanding how sphenomandibular ligament tension might lead to middle ear injuries.