The pterygopalatine fossa: an anatomic report.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a critical anatomical space in the skull base.
• Its numerous openings facilitate the spread of infections and malignancies.
• Understanding PPF neurovascular anatomy is essential for cranial base surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed anatomical report of the pterygopalatine fossa.
• To describe the neurovascular content and vascular patterns within the PPF.
• To emphasize the importance of anatomical knowledge for surgical safety.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of twelve sides of six fixed cadaveric heads.
• Utilized a LeFort I maxillary osteotomy approach.
• Transantral exposure for visualizing neurovascular structures of the PPF.

Main Results:

• Detailed observation of the pterygopalatine fossa's deep anatomical location.
• Characterization of the rich neurovascular content within the fossa.
• Identified variable vascular morphology in the third portion of the maxillary artery within the PPF.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the pterygopalatine fossa's anatomy is crucial.
• Understanding the relationships and functions of neurovascular structures minimizes surgical risks.
• Accurate anatomical insight is key to reducing postsurgical morbidity and intraoperative complications.