Pterygopalatine fossa

Ventrally to the orbit, the pterygopalatine fossa (Fossa pterygopalatina) is the space between the pterygoid process of the basisphenoid bone and the maxilla.

It is a deep concavity located mediocaudally to the maxillary tuberosity, in which several orifices open:

• Mediodorsally, the large sphenopalatine foramen (foramen sphenopalatinum) for the sphenopalatine nerves and vessels;

• Laterodorsally, the maxillary foramen, that gives access to the infra-orbital canal (Canalis infra-orbitalis) for the infra-orbital artery and nerve;

• Ventrally, the caudal palatine foramen (Foramen palatinum caudale), which is the caudal opening of the greater palatine canal (Canalis palatinus major), for the great palatine nerve and artery.