pterygomaxillary fissure


pter·y·go·max·il·lar·y fis·sure

[TA] the narrow gap between the lateral pterygoid plate and the infratemporal surface of the maxilla through which the infratemporal fossa communicates with the pterygopalatine fossa; gives passage to the third part of the maxillary artery and the posterior superior alveolar arteries, veins and nerves. Synonym(s): fissura pterygomaxillaris [TA], fissura pterygopalatina