PTERYGOID CANAL Meaning and
Definition
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The pterygoid canal is a narrow passageway located within the skull, specifically in the region of the sphenoid bone. It is an anatomical structure that serves as a conduit for various structures and vital anatomical features.
The pterygoid canal is formed by small bony grooves and openings within the sphenoid bone, allowing the passage of important blood vessels and nerves. One of the main features that passes through this canal is the middle meningeal artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. This artery supplies blood to the meninges, the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord.
Additionally, the pterygoid canal also provides a pathway for the nerve fibers of the pterygopalatine ganglion, a cluster of nerve cell bodies involved in controlling various functions in the head and face. These nerve fibers originate from the maxillary nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve.
The pterygoid canal is a crucial anatomical structure for maintaining proper blood supply and neural function to the head and face. Any disruption or damage to this canal can lead to potential complications such as impaired blood flow to the meninges or dysfunction of the associated nerve structures.
In summary, the pterygoid canal is a small passageway within the skull, enabling the passage of the middle meningeal artery and nerve fibers of the pterygopalatine ganglion. It plays a vital role in maintaining proper blood supply and neural function in the head and face.
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Vidian canal, canalis pterygoideus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGOID CANAL
- oterygoid canal
- lterygoid canal
- -terygoid canal
- 0terygoid canal
- prerygoid canal
- pferygoid canal
- pgerygoid canal
- pyerygoid canal
- p6erygoid canal
- p5erygoid canal
- ptwrygoid canal
- ptsrygoid canal
- ptdrygoid canal
- ptrrygoid canal
- pt4rygoid canal
- pt3rygoid canal
- pteeygoid canal
- ptedygoid canal
- ptefygoid canal
- ptetygoid canal
Etymology of PTERYGOID CANAL
The word "pterygoid canal" has its etymology rooted in Ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek words:
1. "Pteryx" (πτέρυξ) means "wing" or "fin".
2. "Eidos" (εἶδος) means "form" or "shape".
When combined, these words form the Greek term "pterygoides", which can be translated as "wing-shaped" or "resembling a wing". The term "pterygoid" is widely used in anatomy to describe various structures that resemble wings, such as the pterygoid process.
The word "canal" comes from Latin "canalis", which means "pipe" or "channel".
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