| Pterygomandibular raphe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Part of | Buccopharyngeal fascia |
| Origin | Pterygoid hamulus of themedial pterygoid plate |
| Insertion | Mylohyoid line of themandible |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | raphe pterygomandibularis |
| TA98 | A05.3.01.102 |
| TA2 | 2178 |
| FMA | 55618 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thepterygomandibular raphe (pterygomandibular fold[1] orpterygomandibular ligament) is a thin[2] tendinous band ofbuccopharyngeal fascia. It is attached superiorly to thepterygoid hamulus of themedial pterygoid plate, and inferiorly to the posterior end of themylohyoid line of themandible. It gives attachment to thebuccinator muscle (in front), and thesuperior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (behind).
The pterygomandibularraphe is a tendinous band[2][3] formed by thebuccopharyngeal fascia. It is a paired structure, with one on each side of the mouth.[3] Superiorly, it is attached to thepterygoid hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate of thesphenoid bone; inferiorly, it is attached to the posterior end of themylohyoid line of themandible.[2][3]
The pterygomandibular raphe is the common meeting point of thesuperior pharyngeal constrictor muscle and thebuccinator muscle. This common attachment makes the raphe a junction of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and nasopharynx.[3]
Theinferior alveolar nerve passes lateral to the raphe; the raphe is therefore a landmark for anerve block of this nerve.[2]
The general location of the raphe is indicated by the pterygomandibular fold.[3]
The pterygomandibular raphe gives attachment to the central portion of thebuccinator muscle anteriorly, and to thesuperior pharyngeal constrictor muscle posteriorly.[2]
Infoetuses, the pterygomandibular raphe is always very prominent. However, inadults, it may become less distinctive. It is very large and distinctive, in around 36% adults. It is fairly small, and only an upper triangular portion visible, in around 36% of adults. It is not visible in around 28%, making thesuperior pharyngeal constrictor muscle and thebuccinator muscle continuous. This may vary byethnic group.[4]
When themandible is splinted for gradual realignment (such as to treatsleep apnea), the pterygomandibular ligament slightly resists the realignment.[5]
The raphe is a landmark for administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks.[2][3][1]
The pterygomandibular ligament was first noted in 1784.[3]
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