INFRATEMPORAL REGION

Boundaries Anterior: Maxilla. Superior: Greater wing of sphenoid. Medial: Lateral pterygoid plate. Lateral: Coronoid process and ramus of mandible.

Boundaries Inferior: Posterior: Communicates with: Continuous with neck. Posterior: TMJ and styloid process. Communicates with: Orbit via inferior orbital fissure. Pterygopalatine fossa via pterygomaxillary fissure.

Contents Mandibular nerve. Maxillary artery. Medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. Lower part of temporalis muscle. Chorda tympani nerve. Otic ganglion.

Maxillary Artery Characteristics and branches: Terminal branch of external carotid artery. Divided into three parts by lateral pterygoid muscle: Artery may pass superficial or deep to muscle.

Maxillary Artery: Parts First part: Origin to lower margin inferior to lateral pterygoid. Second part: Superficial or deep to inferior lateral pterygoid. Third part: Lies within pterygopalatine fossa.

Maxillary Artery: First Part Deep auricular: Lies within parotid gland. Supplies TMJ, ext. aud. Meatus, outer surface of ear drum.

Maxillary Artery: First Part Anterior tympanic: Arises within parotid gland. Supplies tympanic cavity and inner surface of ear drum.

Maxillary Artery: First Part Middle meningeal: Enters cranial cavity via foramen spinosum. Supplies skull and dura mater.

Maxillary Artery: First Part Accessory meningeal: Enters cranial cavity via foramen ovale. Supplies semilunar ganglion (CN V) and dura mater.

Maxillary Artery: First Part Inferior alveolar: Enters mandibular foramen. Supplies lower teeth and gums. Passes through mental foramen and becomes mental artery.

Maxillary Artery: Second Part Branches to muscles of mastication. Buccal artery.

Maxillary Artery: Third Part Posterior superior alveolar: Runs with superior alveolar nerve (CN V-2). Supplies upper molars and premolars.

Maxillary Artery: Third Part Infraorbital: Enters orbit via inferior orbital fissure. Runs with infraorbital nerve. Supplies lower eyelid, side of nose, upper lip, oral mucosa. Gives rise to anterior and middle superior alveolar arteries.

Maxillary Artery: Third Part Descending palatine: To soft and hard palates. Terminal branch. Artery of pterygoid canal: To pharynx and auditory tube.