[The topography of the maxillary artery within the infratemporal fossa]

The topographical anatomy of the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa is investigated. 194 preparations from 98 adult specimens are examined (53 male, 45 female). Our important findings are the following: 1. In 29 of 96 specimens (in 2 cases only one side was available) the maxillary artery is located on the outer side of the external pterygoid muscle on one side of the head whereas on the opposite side of the same head it is situated on the inner side of the external pterygoid muscle. 2. in our dissections the maxillary artery is running more frequently medial to the external pterygoid muscle (107 out of 194 preparations; 55.2%) 3. in 2 cases the relation of the maxillary artery to the branches of the mandibular nerve is considerable interesting. 4. An accessory meningeal artery is found in 9 cases (4.6%). 5. In 2 cases the maxillary artery perforates the lingual nerve.