Dissection of pharynx from left lateral approach

Auditory tube; levator veli palatini muscle, lateral view

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Image #66-4

Dissection of pharynx from left lateral approach

Auditory tube; levator veli palatini muscle, lateral view

The tensor veli palatini muscle (8) has been reflected anteriorly to expose the levator veli palatini muscle (20) as well as the cartilaginous and membranous parts of the auditory tube(5,6). The bursa between the tendon of the tensor veli palatini muscle and the pterygoid hamulus is visible at 9.

1. Maxillary nerve (V) (wall of foramen rotundum cut away)
2. Sphenoid sinus
3. Sphenopalatine ganglion
4. Pterygoid fossa
5. Cartilaginous part auditory tube (lateral plate)
6. Membranous plate of auditory tube
7. Descending palatine artery
8. Tensor veli palatini muscle (reflected anteriorly)
9. Bursa tensor veli palatini muscle
10. Styloglossus muscle (cut off)
11. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
12. Major superficial petrosal nerve
13. Tympanic cavity
14. Mandibular nerve (V) and foramen ovale
15. Otic ganglion
16. Chorda tympani
17. Origin of tensor veli palatini muscle
18. Facial nerve (VII) (facial canal opened)
19. Alar fascia
20. Levator veli palatini muscle
21. Occipital artery
22. Ascending palatine artery
23. Styloid process
24. Stylopharyngeus muscle
25. Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle
26. Internal carotid artery and hypoglossal nerve (XII)