The pterygoid fovea (also known as the pterygoid hamulus) is a small, pointed projection located on the inner aspect of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. The pterygoid process is a bony structure that extends outwards from the sphenoid bone, located in the skull, and is involved in the movement of the mandible (lower jaw bone). The pterygoid fovea serves as a key attachment point for several muscles and ligaments that are important in the movement and stability of the jaw.
Structure
The pterygoid fovea is a small, pointed projection that is located on the inner aspect of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. It is formed by the convergence of several bony ridges, which come together to form a pointed, triangular structure.
The pterygoid fovea is located just below the pterygoid plates, which are thin, flat plates of bone that extend outward from the pterygoid process and help to form the sidewalls of the nasal cavity.
Location
The pterygoid fovea is located on the inner aspect of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, which is a bone located in the skull. It is located just below the pterygoid plates, which are thin, flat plates of bone that extend outward from the pterygoid process and help to form the sidewalls of the nasal cavity. The pterygoid process is located on the lateral (side) aspect of the sphenoid bone, and is situated between the sphenoid sinus and the temporal bone. The pterygoid fovea is located just below the pterygoid plates, which are thin, flat plates of bone that extend outward from the pterygoid process and help to form the sidewalls of the nasal cavity.
Function
The pterygoid fovea serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments that are important in the movement and stability of the jaw. These muscles and ligaments include the lateral pterygoid muscle, the medial pterygoid muscle, and the sphenomandibular ligament. The lateral pterygoid muscle is a muscle that originates from the lateral pterygoid plate and inserts onto the neck of the mandible. It is responsible for moving the mandible laterally (side to side) and protracting (pushing forward) the mandible. The medial pterygoid muscle is a muscle that originates from the medial pterygoid plate and inserts onto the angle of the mandible. It is responsible for moving the mandible medially (toward the midline) and elevating (lifting) the mandible. The sphenomandibular ligament is a ligament that connects the pterygoid fovea to the mandible and helps to stabilize the jaw joint.
