Palatovaginal groove
Sulcus palatovaginalis
Definition
The palatovaginal groove is a horizontal bony groove located on the underside of the sphenoid bone’s vaginal process and runs in an anteroposterior direction. This groove becomes the palatovaginal canal, also known as the canalis palatovaginalis or the pharyngeal canal, as the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone extends medially to lie above the sphenoidal process of the palatine bone.
The palatovaginal canal mainly serves to link the pterygopalatine fossa with the nasopharynx. Through this canal, the pharyngeal branches of the maxillary artery and the pterygopalatine ganglion pass to reach and provide blood and innervation to the nasopharyngeal area behind the auditory tube.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
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.
