Dissection Summary

Part 1 - Infratemporal Fossa 

• • Review the boundaries and contents of the infratemporal fossa

  • Locate the maxillary v. and pterygoid (venous) plexus

Part 2 - Maxillary Artery

• • On the external carotid a., find the branching point for the maxillary a.

    • follow the artery into the infratemporal fossa

  • Locate the following branches of the first (mandibular) part of the maxillary a.: 

    • • deep auricular a.

      • anterior tympanic a.

      • middle meningeal a.

      • inferior alveolar a.

  • Examine the relationship of the donor’s maxillary aa. to the lateral pterygoid muscles

    • • Establish superficial and deep dissections of the infratemporal fossa

  • Locate the branches of the second (pterygoid) part of the maxillary a., the: 

    • • masseteric a.

      • posterior deep temporal a. (& pterygoid brs)

      • anterior deep temporal a.

      • buccal a. 

  • Deep dissection:

    • • remove the lateral pterygoid muscle

Part 3  - Trigeminal Nerve 

• • Remove or reflect the maxillary a. to visualize V3 and its divisions

  • Locate branches of the anterior & posterior division of the V3

  • With fine forceps, gently reflect the posterior trunk of V3 to reveal the otic ganglion