Deep Face / Infratemporal fossa

MP1665

In this 3D printed specimen of a midsagittally-sectioned right face and neck, the ramus, coronoid process and head of the mandible have been removed to expose the deep part of the infratemporal fossa. The pterygoid muscles have also been removed to expose the lateral pteygoid plate and posterior surface of the maxilla. The buccinator has been retianed and can be seen originating from the external aspect of the maxilla, the pterygomandibular raphe and the external aspect of the (edentulous) mandible.The superior constrictor can also be seen arising from the posterior aspect of the pterygomandibular raphe. The internal laryngeal nerve has been preserved. Muscles in the neck that are identifiable include mylohyoid, the strap muscles and the inferior constrictor. The styloid muscles can be seen descending from the process to their insertions (not shown). The internal carotid artery can be seen deep to the styloid process which gives origin to stylohyoid, styloglossus and stylopharyngeus.

 

The sectioned surface preserves a series of midline head and neck structures, including: the lateral wall of the nasal cavity (superior, middle and inferior conchae and sphenoethmoidal recess, superior meatus, middle meatus and inferior meatus), the nasopharynx, the opening of the auditory tube, the hard palate, soft palate, the intrinsic tongue muscles, oropharynx, laryngopharynx, and hyoid bone. The parts of the laryngeal cartilages and the pharynx are clerly seen, as are the verterbral bodies of C2-C5, the anterior arch of C1(atlas), and the dens of C2 (axis).