Pterygospinous process
Processus pterygospinosus
- Latin eponym: Process of Civinini
Definition
The pterygospinous process, frequently referred to as Civinini's spine, is a small bony protrusion extending rearward from the top of the lateral pterygoid plate's posterior edge. It serves as an anchor for the pterygospinous ligament, which in turn attaches to the sphenoid bone's spine. Typically, this ligament ossifies, forming a foramen through which branches of the mandibular nerve can pass.
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. 548.
Somayaji, Krishnaraj & Rao, Mohandas & Somayaji, Nagabhushan. (2019). Anatomical and clinical significance of Pterygospinous and Pterygoalar ligaments and bony bars in dentistry. Journal of Oral Research. 8. 82-90. 10.17126/joralres.2019.003.
