Petrolingual ligament

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The petrolingual ligament lies at the posteroinferior aspect of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and marks the point at which the internal carotid artery enters the cavernous sinus.

Anatomically, the petrolingual ligament demarcates two of the segments of the internal carotid artery:

For surgeons and radiologists, it is important to be oriented to the location of this ligament in cases of possible dissection of the internal carotid artery, as it helps determine whether the dissection has occurred inside or outside the cavernous sinus. [1]

Related Research Articles

Articles related to anatomy include:

Internal carotid artery Artery of the human brain

The internal carotid artery is an artery in the neck which supplies the anterior circulation of the brain. In human anatomy, the internal and external carotids arise from the common carotid arteries, where these bifurcate at cervical vertebrae C3 or C4. The internal carotid artery supplies the brain, including the eyes, while the external carotid nourishes other portions of the head, such as the face, scalp, skull, and meninges.

Cerebral angiography Angiography that produces images of blood vessels in and around the brain

Cerebral angiography is a form of angiography which provides images of blood vessels in and around the brain, thereby allowing detection of abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms. It was pioneered in 1927 by the Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz at the University of Lisbon, who also helped develop thorotrast for use in the procedure.

Ophthalmic artery Artery of the head

The ophthalmic artery (OA) is an artery of the head. It is the first branch of the internal carotid artery distal to the cavernous sinus. Branches of the ophthalmic artery supply all the structures in the orbit around the eye, as well as some structures in the nose, face, and meninges. Occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or its branches can produce sight-threatening conditions.

Carotid-cavernous fistula Medical condition

A carotid-cavernous fistula results from an abnormal communication between the arterial and venous systems within the cavernous sinus in the skull. It is a type of arteriovenous fistula. As arterial blood under high pressure enters the cavernous sinus, the normal venous return to the cavernous sinus is impeded and this causes engorgement of the draining veins, manifesting most dramatically as a sudden engorgement and redness of the eye of the same side.

Cavernous sinus

The cavernous sinus within the human head is one of the dural venous sinuses creating a cavity called the lateral sellar compartment bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone, lateral to the sella turcica.

Dural arteriovenous fistula Medical condition

A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) or malformation is an abnormal direct connection (fistula) between a meningeal artery and a meningeal vein or dural venous sinus.

Cavernous nerve plexus

The cavernous nerve plexus is situated below and medial to that part of the internal carotid artery which is placed by the side of the sella turcica in the cavernous sinus, and is formed chiefly by the medial division of the internal carotid nerve.

Trigeminal ganglion Sensory ganglion of the trigeminal nerve

A trigeminal ganglion is the sensory ganglion at the base of each of the two trigeminal nerves, occupying a cavity in the dura mater, covering the trigeminal impression near the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone.

Carotid canal Hole in the temporal bone in the skull for the internal carotid artery to enter the skull

The carotid canal is a passageway in the temporal bone of the skull through which the internal carotid artery enters the middle cranial fossa from the neck.

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The maxillary artery supplies deep structures of the face. It branches from the external carotid artery just deep to the neck of the mandible.

Carotid groove

The carotid groove is an anatomical groove in the sphenoid bone located above the attachment of each great wing of the sphenoid bone. The groove is curved like the italic letter f, and lodges the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis Medical condition

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is the formation of a blood clot within the cavernous sinus, a cavity at the base of the brain which drains deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart. This is a rare disorder and can be of two types–septic cavernous thrombosis and aseptic cavernous thrombosis. The most common form is septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. The cause is usually from a spreading infection in the nose, sinuses, ears, or teeth. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are often the associated bacteria.

Carotid artery dissection Human disease

Carotid artery dissection is a separation of the layers of the artery wall supplying oxygen-bearing blood to the head and brain and is the most common cause of stroke in young adults.

Dorsal nerve of the penis

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The inferior hypophysial artery is an artery in the head. It is a branch of the cavernous carotid artery, itself from the internal carotid artery. It supplies the posterior pituitary of the pituitary gland.

Outline of human anatomy Overview of and topical guide to human anatomy

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to human anatomy:

The Czermak–Hering test is a vagal maneuver consisting of the application of external digital pressure to the carotid sinus. The test is performed at the patient's bedside by imposing moderate pressure with the fingers, repeatedly massaging the left or the right carotid arteries.

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The ciliary ganglion is a parasympathetic ganglion located just behind the eye in the posterior orbit. Three types of axons enter the ciliary ganglion but only the preganglionic parasympathetic axons synapse there. The entering axons are arranged into three roots of the ciliary ganglion, which join enter the posterior surface of the ganglion.

References

  1. Ziyal, I. M.; Salas, E.; Wright, D. C.; Sekhar, L. N. (1998). "The Petrolingual Ligament: The Anatomy and Surgical Exposure of the Posterolateral Landmark of The Cavernous Sinus". Acta Neurochir (Wien). 140 (3): 201–205. doi:10.1007/s007010050086.