pterygomaxillary Definition

of, relating to, or connecting the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the maxilla

a vertical gap between the lateral pterygoid plate of the pterygoid process and the maxilla that descends at right angles to the medial end of the inferior orbital fissure and gives passage to part of the maxillary artery and vein

pterygopalatine fossa

a small triangular space beneath the apex of the orbit that is bounded above by the sphenoid bone and the orbital process of the palatine bone, in front by the maxilla, medially by the palatine bone, and behind by the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and that contains among other structures the pterygopalatine ganglion —called also pterygomaxillary fossa, sphenomaxillary fossa