pterygomaxillary fissure

Anatomy Monday: Pterygomaxillary Fissure

This entry was posted in Anatomy Monday and tagged pantomograph anatomy pterygomaxillary fissure on by

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.   If you have any questions about […]

Lateral Cephalometric Skull Anatomy – Part II 8

This entry was posted in Radiographic Interpretation and tagged floor of the orbit key ridge lateral cephalometric skull anatomy orbitale pterygomaxillary fissure on by

Onto part 2 of lateral cephalometric skull anatomy frequently used in orthodontics. Again identified on a dry skull first followed by the radiograph. Orbitale (black star) – The lowest point of the orbital margin (also the anterior point for the Frankfort horizontal plane). Key ridge (green heart) – The inferior […]

Anatomy on Radiographs: Pantomographs Part 2 10

This entry was posted in Radiographic Interpretation and tagged cervical spine ear lobe external auditory meatus hyoid infraorbital canal orbital rim oropharynx pantomograph anatomy pterygomaxillary fissure soft palate zygomatic bone on by

Now onto other structures visible on a pantomograph. Midface The orbital rim (green dots) appears as a thick semi –circular radiopaque band superior to the maxillary sinuses. The pterygomaxillary fissure (blue area) appears as an inverted teardrop shaped radiolucent area with a thin radiopaque border. It is directly lateral to […]