The superior portion of the pterygoid processes are fused anteriorly; a vertical groove, the pterygopalatine fossa, descends on the front of the line of fusion.
12.
Together, greater petrosal and deep petrosal nerves form the nerve of the pterygoid canal ( vidian nerve ) and they reach the pterygopalatine ganglion in the pterygopalatine fossa.
13.
Together, greater petrosal and deep petrosal nerves form the nerve of the pterygoid canal ( vidian nerve ) and they reach the pterygopalatine ganglion in the pterygopalatine fossa.
14.
A separate group of parasympathetic leaving from the pterygopalatine ganglion are the descending palatine nerves ( CN V 2 branch ), which include the greater and lesser palatine nerves.
15.
The inferior border is fused with the lateral edge of the horizontal part, and immediately in front of the pyramidal process is grooved by the lower end of the pterygopalatine canal.
16.
The parasympathetic fibers of the nerve of the pterygoid canal synapse at the pterygopalatine ganglion, which is closely associated with the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve ( CN V 2 ).
17.
The anterior surface of the pterygoid process is broad and triangular near its root, where it forms the posterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa and presents the anterior orifice of the pterygoid canal.
18.
The pterygopalatine ganglion supplies the lacrimal gland, paranasal sinuses, glands of the mucosa of the nasal cavity and pharynx, the gingiva, and the mucous membrane and glands of the hard palate.
19.
In the articulated skull this foramen leads from the pterygopalatine fossa into the posterior part of the superior meatus of the nose, and transmits the sphenopalatine vessels and the superior nasal and nasopalatine nerves.
20.
It enters the foramen lacerum, where it joins the deep petrosal nerve ( a sympathetic nerve ) to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, which passes through the pterygoid canal to reach the pterygopalatine ganglion.
