PTERYGOID PLEXUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "pterygoid plexus" refers to a network of veins located within the pterygoid region of the head. This region is situated in the skull's base and acts as a connection point between multiple cranial structures. The pterygoid plexus is a complex web-like structure formed by the convergence of several veins, specifically the maxillary vein and the superficial temporal vein.
Functionally, the pterygoid plexus serves as an important drainage system for blood in the head and face. It plays a crucial role in the venous return from the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, and palate, ensuring efficient circulation. As blood flows through these regions, it is collected by the pterygoid plexus, which then assists in transporting it out of the cranium and ultimately back to the heart.
Anatomically, the pterygoid plexus is located deep within the craniofacial region, lying close to the pterygoid muscles and lateral to the medial pterygoid plate. Its specific location affords it proximity to critical structures such as the maxillary artery, sphenoid sinus, and the mandibular nerve.
Understanding the pterygoid plexus is of particular importance in various medical fields, including dentistry, oral surgery, and ophthalmology. Surgical procedures in these areas can involve manipulation of this intricate network, requiring careful attention to avoid potential complications, excessive bleeding, or damage to adjacent structures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGOID PLEXUS
- oterygoid plexus
- lterygoid plexus
- -terygoid plexus
- 0terygoid plexus
- prerygoid plexus
- pferygoid plexus
- pgerygoid plexus
- pyerygoid plexus
- p6erygoid plexus
- p5erygoid plexus
- ptwrygoid plexus
- ptsrygoid plexus
- ptdrygoid plexus
- ptrrygoid plexus
- pt4rygoid plexus
- pt3rygoid plexus
- pteeygoid plexus
- ptedygoid plexus
- ptefygoid plexus
Etymology of PTERYGOID PLEXUS
The term "pterygoid plexus" is derived from Greek roots. "Pterygoid" originates from the Greek word "pteryx", meaning "wing", and "eidos", which means "shape" or "form". In anatomy, "pterygoid" refers to the pterygoid bone, which is a wing-shaped bone located in the skull. "Plexus" comes from the Latin word "plexus", meaning "twisted" or "braided". In anatomy, a "plexus" refers to a network of nerves or blood vessels. Therefore, the term "pterygoid plexus" refers to the network of blood vessels surrounding the pterygoid bone in the skull.
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