Anatomy Monday: Pterygomaxillary Fissure


This week I have a few pantomographs showing the pterygomaxillary fissure.  The pterygomaxillary fissure is the lateral opening to the pterygopalatine fossa. The pterygomaxillary fissure presents as a radiolucent inverted teardrop shape just lateral to the maxilla. It has a a radiopaque edge.

Pantomograph - right pterygomaxillary fissure noted as yellow area

Pantomograph – right pterygomaxillary fissure noted as yellow area

 

Pantomograph - right pterygomaxillary fissure as a radiolucent inverted teardrop area lateral to the maxilla

Pantomograph – right pterygomaxillary fissure as a radiolucent inverted teardrop area lateral to the maxilla

Pantomograph - right and left pterygomaxillary fissures visible

Pantomograph – right and left pterygomaxillary fissures visible

If you have any questions about the pterygomaxillary fissure, please leave them below. Thanks and enjoy!