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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats
Published on: March 7, 2020
The pterygopalatine ganglion in humans: a morphological study
1Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8, Bd. Eroilor Sanitari, RO-76241 Bucharest, Romania. anatomon@gmail.com
Summary
The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) often varies in structure, appearing as a single or partitioned entity. These morphological variations, including dispersed pterygopalatine microganglia (DPPG), may explain treatment failures.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) is typically viewed as a singular parasympathetic structure within the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF).
- Limited human morphological studies exist for the PPG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document variations in the morphological patterns of the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG).
- To challenge the conventional view of the PPG as invariably a single structure.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) in 20 adult human heads.
- Histological staining (hematoxylin-eosin, silver Bielschowsky) and immunohistochemistry (synaptophysin, neurofilament) for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Four distinct macroscopic morphological types of the PPG were identified: partitioned (Types A & D) and single (Types B & C).
- Significant individual variations were observed in PPG partitioning and vidian nerve association.
- Histochemistry confirmed the presence of dispersed pterygopalatine microganglia (DPPG), adding to morphological variability.
Conclusions:
- The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) exhibits considerable morphological variability, not always presenting as a single structure.
- Individual variations in PPG structure and the presence of DPPG may contribute to the inefficacy of PPG ablation procedures.
- Further research is needed to correlate PPG morphology with functional territories and targets.
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