Variations of Inferior Alveolar Nerve and Its Relation With Maxillary Artery in Infra Temporal Fossa

Abstract

Infra temporal fossa (ITF) is a difficult area to access both in anatomical dissection and surgery. Thorough knowledge on the anatomy of infra temporal fossa is a prerequisite for maxillofacial, ENT and neurosurgeons since it is in close relation with oral & nasal cavities, maxillary antrum, orbit & pharynx and has direct access to skull base & cranial cavity. Moreover it is a difficult area to describe because of lack of well defined boundary. It contains mandibular nerve (MN), maxillary artery (MA), otic ganglion, chorda tympani nerve and venous plexus apart from pterygoid muscles for mastication. Some variations of the structures in the fossa were noted during routine dissection. This study focuses on such variations of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and its relation with the maxillary artery in the infra temporal fossa. Present study was done in 60 ITF from 30 cadavers. Variations were observed in 9 specimens – 2 bilaterally, 3 on right side and 2 on left side – in connection with their mode of origin and communication with other nerves. Variations were also observed in their length, thickness and relation with MA. A peculiar branching pattern of MA has been described. Possible embryological basis of such variations has been discussed.