Pterygomandibular raphe
Raphe pterygomandibularis
Definition
The pterygomandibular raphe is a narrow fibrous band in the lateral wall of the oropharynx that extends from the pterygoid hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate above to the posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible below.
It serves as an important anatomical landmark and connective structure between the oral and pharyngeal musculature. The buccinator muscle arises from its anterior border, while the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (specifically its buccopharyngeal part) originates from its posterior border. Covered medially by the mucous membrane of the cheek and laterally by the buccal fat pad, the raphe provides structural continuity between the muscles of the mouth and pharynx.
Clinical correlate
Clinically, it is a key intraoral landmark for performing the inferior alveolar nerve block.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 31: Oral cavity, pp. 507, 509 & 512.
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 32: Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossa and temporomandibular joint, pp. 536, 537 & 551.
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 34: Pharynx, pp. 577, 578 & 581.
