ABSTRACT
Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.
ABSTRACT
The nerve to the mylohyoid muscle has been well studied but there are no specific anatomical landmarks for identifying it. Therefore, we aimed to identify anatomical landmarks for localizing the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle in the submandibular region. Sixteen sides from eight embalmed Caucasian cadaveric heads were used in this study. The mean age at the time of death of the specimens was 80.3 years. The anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle, submental artery, and mylohyoid muscle were dissected to verify their relationships with the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle. The nerve to the mylohyoid muscle was found medial to the submental artery, lateral to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and anterior to the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle on all sides. Herein, we identified what we term the mylohyoid triangle. This anatomical region can help localize the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle.
ABSTRACT
The nerve to the mylohyoid muscle has been well studied but there are no specific anatomical landmarks for identifying it. Therefore, we aimed to identify anatomical landmarks for localizing the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle in the submandibular region. Sixteen sides from eight embalmed Caucasian cadaveric heads were used in this study. The mean age at the time of death of the specimens was 80.3 years. The anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle, submental artery, and mylohyoid muscle were dissected to verify their relationships with the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle. The nerve to the mylohyoid muscle was found medial to the submental artery, lateral to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and anterior to the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle on all sides. Herein, we identified what we term the mylohyoid triangle. This anatomical region can help localize the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle.