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Glite Dictionary
pterygomaxillary

pterygomaxillary

9.9
Relating to the area where a skull bone meets the upper jaw
  • adjective
  • /ˌtɛrɪgoʊˈmæksɪˌlɛri/
  • Specialized
: pterigomaxilar
  • An infection in the pterygomaxillary region can cause severe facial pain.

Examples

  • The dentist explained the importance of the pterygomaxillary fissure in oral surgery.

  • The pterygomaxillary fossa is an important anatomical landmark.

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the pterygomaxillary area during the procedure.

  • In surgery, the pterygomaxillary region must be carefully examined.

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the pterygomaxillary area during the procedure.

  • An infection in the pterygomaxillary region can cause severe facial pain.

  • The dentist explained the importance of the pterygomaxillary fissure in oral surgery.

Surface Forms

pterygomaxillary positive

Morphology

pterygomaxillary = pterygoid + maxillary (semi-transparent) = pterygo + maxillary

The term is a direct combination of two technical anatomical elements that are clear to specialists but not to general learners.

Etymology

Pterygomaxillary comes from Greek pterygo- 'wing' and Latin maxilla 'jaw', so it names the spot where a wing-like part of the skull meets the upper jaw.