What is the significance of the pterygoid plexus of veins in dentistry?

It is connected to the cavernous sinus and the pharyngeal venous plexus. It is an important region because of the potential to spread dental infection; it can also be inadvertently penetrated when administering a block injection of the posterior superior alveolar nerve, potentially resulting in a haematoma.

Does cavernous sinus drain into pterygoid plexus?

The inferior ophthalmic vein may drain posteriorly directly into the cavernous sinus or to the pterygoid plexus. The pterygoid plexus communicates with the cavernous sinus through the foramina ovale, spinosum, and rotundum.

Where is the venous plexus located?

The internal vertebral venous plexus is located beneath the bony elements of the vertebral foramina (laminae, spinous processes, pedicles, and vertebral body). It is embedded in a layer of loose areolar tissue know as the epidural (extradural) adipose tissue.

What is venous plexus?

The vertebral venous plexus is a highly anastomotic network of valveless veins running along the entire length of the vertebral column from the foramen magnum to the sacral hiatus.

What is the pterygoid plexus of veins What does it form and what is its significance?

The function of the pterygoid venous plexus is to collect the blood from the palate, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and auditory tube. The veins of pterygoid plexus converge on its anterior end to form the maxillary vein, which conveys the blood from the plexus into the retromandibular vein.

What does pterygoid mean?

: of, relating to, or lying in the region of the inferior part of the sphenoid bone of the vertebrate skull.

Where does the pterygoid venous plexus drain?

maxillary vein
The plexus itself drains via the short maxillary vein before it forms the retromandibular vein. Emissary veins also anastomose between the plexus and the cavernous sinus, via the foramina ovale and lacerum.

Which vein joins the superficial temporal vein?

Dr Rohit Sharma ◉ and Dr Mila Dimitrijevic et al. The superficial temporal vein arises in a plexus on the side and vertex of the skull and, in the substance of the parotid gland, joins with the maxillary vein to form the retromandibular vein.

What is the purpose of a venous plexus?

The venous plexuses of the spinal canal lie in the epidural space to form a network and can be subdivided into: 1. A pair of ventral venous plexuses lying on either side of the dorsal longitudinal ligament of the vertebra, into which the basivertebral veins drain.

What does the azygos vein do?

It is responsible for draining the thoracic wall and upper lumbar region via the lumbar veins and posterior intercostal veins 1. It also provides important collateral circulation between the superior and inferior venae cavae should they become obstructed 2.

Which plexus drains the ovaries?

pampiniform plexus
In the female In females, the pampiniform plexus drains the ovaries. The right ovary drains from the plexus to the ovarian vein and then to the inferior vena cava.

What does the pterygoid venous plexus do?

Function. The veins of the pterygoid plexus have valves, and the plexus acts as a small pump assisting the return of blood by the contractions of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

How is the pterygoid venous plexus connected to the face?

Connections: Pterygoid venous plexus is connected to: 1 Facial vein via deep facial 2 Inferior ophthalmic vein via a branch which passes through the inferior orbital fissure. 3 Cavernous sinus via emissary veins which pass through foramen ovale and foramen spinosum. More

How is the retromandibular vein connected to the maxillary vein?

The retromandibular vein arises posterior to the mandibular ramus, from the confluence of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins. Via the maxillary vein, the retromandibular vein is connected to the pterygoid venous plexus of the infratemporal fossa.

How is the plexus of the maxillary artery formed?

The plexus is formed by very small veins that are the venous counterparts to the branches of the maxillary artery. However most of the blood draining from the tissues supplied by this artery, bypasses the plexus, instead passing back to the systemic circulation via the facial, pharyngeal and diploic veins.

Where is the venous plexus located in the body?

It is found in the infratemporal fossa, lying partly between temporal and lateral pterygoid muscles, and partly between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles.