Videos
Quizzes
Both
Pterygoid venous plexus
/images/vimeo_thumbnails/258805250/vN4KKvYBa8qCttlBlYE9dg_overlay.jpg)
:background_color(FFFFFF):format(jpeg)/images/library/13615/G66EJvkVUsG08n1Go7aPuQ_Pterygoid_plexus.png){kind=logo}
The pterygoid venous plexus is a venous network that surrounds the pterygoid segment of the maxillary artery. It is located within the infratemporal fossa, lying partly between temporal and lateral pterygoid muscle, and partly between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles.
The function of the pterygoid venous plexus is to collect the blood from the palate, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and auditory tube. The veins of pterygoid plexus converge on its anterior end to form the maxillary vein, which conveys the blood from the plexus into the retromandibular vein.
| Drains from | Venules of the infratemporal fossa |
| Tributaries | Sphenopalatine, deep temporal, pterygoid, masseteric, buccal, alveolar, greater palatine, inferior ophthalmic and middle meningeal veins |
| Drains to | Maxillary vein |
| Drainage area | Palate, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, auditory tube, deep parts of the scalp in the temporal region |
This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the pterygoid venous vein.
Anatomy and course
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/pterygoid-plexus-3/DKuPgI9WMA4dFWfO9s77w_Pterygoid_plexus.png "Pterygoid venous plexus (Plexus venosus pterygoideus); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/pterygoid-plexus/f6sVklXc1XE7MVFwC7xWvA_Plexus_pterygoideus_02.png "Pterygoid venous plexus (Plexus venosus pterygoideus); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
The pterygoid plexus is a network of numerous veins that surround the pterygoid segment of the maxillary artery. It is found in the infratemporal fossa, lying partly between temporal and lateral pterygoid muscles, and partly between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. The tributaries of the into the pterygoid plexus correspond to the branches of the maxillary artery and include the sphenopalatine, deep temporal, pterygoid, masseteric, buccal, alveolar, greater palatine, inferior ophthalmic and middle meningeal veins.
The pterygoid plexus anastomoses anteriorly with the facial vein via the deep facial vein, and superiorly with the cavernous sinus via emissary veins that pass through the sphenoidal emissary foramen (of Vesalius), foramen ovale and foramen lacerum. These connections have clinical significance due to the potential spread of infection from the pterygoid plexus into the cranial cavity via the cavernous sinus.
The pterygoid plexus drains many deep structures of the head, including the palate, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, auditory tube and deep parts of the scalp in the temporal region. It is continued by a short maxillary vein, which lies deep to the neck of the mandible. The maxillary vein conveys the blood from the pterygoid plexus and goes on to enter the substance of the parotid gland, where it joins the superficial temporal vein to form the retromandibular vein.
Pterygoid venous plexus: want to learn more about it?
Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.
What do you prefer to learn with?
“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.”
–
Read more.
Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
