pterygopalatine fossa

pterygopalatine fossa,

a space shaped like a teardrop between the bones on the lateral side of the skull immediately posterior to the maxilla. It is a major site of distribution for the maxillary nerve and for the terminal part of the maxillary artery.

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fossa(e) (fos´),

n a pit, hollow, or depression on a tooth or bone.

Fossa.

fossa, articular,

n a concave structure situated adjacent to the articular eminence on the temporal bone of the skull. Also known as the
mandibular fossa.

fossa, canine,

n the fossa in the canine maxilla superior to the apex of the canine tooth.

fossa, depth of,

n on the occlusal table, the distance from the top of the shorter cusp downward into the bottom of the fossa.

fossa, lateral,

n a shallow, concave area of peritoneum on the rear wall of the abdominal cavity, bordered by the lateral umbilical fold and the inguinal ligament.

fossa, mental,

n a depression located between the alveolar and mental ridges of the roots of the incisors.

fossa, nasal,

n See cavity, nasal.

n a depression located between the maxilla and the sphenoid bone in the anatomy of the skull.

fossa, sublingual,

n a depression found underneath the tongue, adjacent to the sublingual glands.

fossa, submandibular,

n a depression found underneath the internal oblique ridge, which houses the submandibular salivary gland.