How Do You Spell SPHENOMAXILLARY FISSURE?

1. Sphenomaxillary fissure is a term used in anatomy to describe a narrow, elongated opening or fissure located between two bones in the skull, namely the sphenoid bone and the maxilla. This fissure is also known as the sphenomaxillary or sphenomaxillary foramen.

   The sphenoid bone is a butterfly-shaped bone located in the middle of the skull, forming part of the eye sockets and the base of the skull. On the other hand, the maxilla is the upper jawbone. The sphenomaxillary fissure is located at the junction between these two bones, specifically towards the back region of the upper jaw.

   This anatomical structure serves as an important pathway for the passage of nerves and blood vessels. Several crucial structures traverse the sphenomaxillary fissure, such as the infraorbital nerve, which is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the upper jaw, teeth, and the skin of the face.

   Additionally, the sphenomaxillary fissure also serves as a conduit for the passage of the infraorbital artery, a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the upper jaw and surrounding structures.

   The sphenomaxillary fissure plays a vital role in maintaining proper sensory function and vascular supply to the maxilla. Any disruption or damage to this fissure can lead to various neurological or vascular complications, affecting the innervation and blood supply to the upper jaw and facial structures.

2. Fissura, orbitalis inferior.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SPHENOMAXILLARY FISSURE

The word "sphenomaxillary fissure" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.

1. "Spheno" comes from the Greek word "sphēn" (σφήν), meaning "wedge".

2. "Maxillary" originates from the Latin word "maxilla", which refers to the upper jawbone.

3. "Fissure" comes from the Latin word "fissura", simply meaning "a crack" or "a cleft".

Therefore, the term "sphenomaxillary fissure" refers to a fissure or cleft between the sphenoid bone and the maxilla, specifically in the facial skeleton.