Palatovaginal canal
Canalis palatovaginalis
Definition
The palatovaginal canal is a bony canal which is directed anteroposterior and connects the pterygopalatine fossa with the nasopharynx. It is formed when the upper surface of the sphenoid process of the palatine bone, meets with the lower surface of the vaginal process of the medial pterygoid plate of sphenoid bone.
The palatovaginal canal transmits a pharyngeal nerve branch from the pterygopalatine ganglion and a pharyngeal arterial branch of the third part of the maxillary artery.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Meng, Q., Lu, Y., Shi, Li and Lei, Yi. (2015). Simultaneous observation and discrimination of palatovaginal and vomerovaginal canals by transverse CT. Int. J Clin Exp Med. 8(9): 15601-15610.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 32: Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae and temporomandibular joint’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 536, pp. 554, pp. 559 & Fig. 33.5.
