The Study of Relationship between the Regional Anatomy and the Infratemporal Fossa Operation

Objective: To provide anatomic evidences for the management of the critical structures in the operation of in fratemporal fossa. Methods: Ten adult cadaveric heads fixed with formalin and inserted with red latex were dissected and the critical structures of each level were measured and analized. Results: Contrast to the lateral pterygoid muscle, there exist the prominent venous plexus both deeply and superficially to it, the internal maxillary artery (IMA) which runs horizontally crosses superficially (more commonly) to it, and the branches of mandibular nerve (MN) which run vertially are mostly found deeply to it. The pterygoid segment of IMA and the venous plexus show the prominent variations, while the MN remains consistent. Conclusion: It is beneficial to decrease complication to be familiar with the anatomy of the infratemporal fossa.