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Glite Dictionary
pterygoid plexus

pterygoid plexus

1 9.9
A network of small veins near the jaw that collects blood from the mouth area
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛrɪˌɡɔɪd ˈplɛksəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plexo pterigoideo
  • The pterygoid plexus is susceptible to injury during dental procedures involving the maxillary region.

Examples

  • Venous blood from the area around the jaw and mouth is collected by the pterygoid plexus.

  • The pterygoid plexus is essential for draining blood.

  • An infection can spread from the teeth into the pterygoid plexus, leading to potentially serious complications.

  • Surgeons must be careful near the pterygoid plexus during procedures.

  • The surgeon carefully examined the pterygoid plexus during the operation to ensure there was no excessive bleeding.

  • In dental procedures, understanding the anatomy of the pterygoid plexus is essential for avoiding complications.

  • The pterygoid plexus can become engorged in certain conditions, affecting blood flow to the surrounding muscles.

Surface Forms

pterygoid plexus singular
pterygoid plexuses plural

Morphology

pterygoid + plexus

Given the definitions of 'pterygoid' (relating to the wing-shaped processes of the sphenoid) and 'plexus' (an interconnected network of vessels or nerves), the phrase directly denotes a network located in the pterygoid region; the meaning is compositionally derived from its parts. Though specialized medical terminology, the 'X + plexus' anatomical naming pattern is regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Pterygoid plexus comes from the words pterygoid meaning 'wing' and plexus meaning 'braid' or 'network'. Imagine a small braided net of veins near the jaw like a little wing, and that image explains why the term means the network of veins that collects blood from the jaw and mouth.