The pterygomandibular space is the inferomedial subcompartment of the masticator space located between the mandible and pterygoid muscles.
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Gross anatomy
Contents
The pterygomandibular space contains loose areolar tissue, the sphenomandibular ligament, and the following named neurovascular structures 1,2:
- arteries
- veins
- nerves
Relations and/or Boundaries
The boundaries of the pterygomandibular space are the following 1,2:
- laterally: mandible (ramus) and temporalis muscle
- medially: medial pterygoid muscle
- superiorly: lateral pterygoid muscle and greater wing of the sphenoid bone
- anteriorly: pterygomandibular raphe and buccal space
- posteriorly: parotid gland
Clinical importance
An inferior alveolar nerve block, widely used in dentistry for mandibular anaesthesia, involves the injection of local anaesthetic via an oral approach into this space 3.
Related pathology
Pterygomandibular space infection is usually odontogenic, related to the third mandibular molar. Less common causes are iatrogenic (needle injection of anaesthetic for inferior alveolar nerve block) or traumatic (open mandibular fracture).
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