Microanatomic Study of Pterygopalatlne Segment of Internal Maxillary Artery and Pterygopalatine Fossa

Objective To provide microanatomic parameters of the pterygopalatine segment of internal maxillary artery and the pterygopalatine fossa for the management of anterior subcranial lesions. Methods Twenty adult cadaveric heads fixed with formalin were used for this study. The microsurgical dissection and measurement was performed under microscope through Janecka's standard facial translocation approach. Results The pterygopalatine segment of internal maxillary artery was anterior to the neural component, and the variability of the internal maxillary artey was common. Anterior deep temporal artery served as a reliable landmark of the ascertain pterygopalatine segment of the internal maxillary artery. It was facilitated to protect adjacent important neurovascular structure by the guidance of the nerve of pterygoid canal and the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa. Conclusion It was useful for the management of anterior subcranial lesions to be familar with microanatomy of the pterygopalatine segment of the internal maxillary artery and the pterygopalatine fossa.