Dissection of pharynx from left lateral approach

Wall of pharynx, lateral view

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Image #66-2

Dissection of pharynx from left lateral approach Wall of pharynx, lateral view The internal pterygoid muscle has been removed and most of the lateral lamina of the pterygoid process cut away. A plexus of small veins covers the lateral surface of the tensor veli palatini muscle. The internal maxillary artery has been resected except for its terminal branches, and the digastric and stylohyoid muscles have been removed. Bone of the palate and the lateral wall of the nasal fossa has been cut away. The external carotid artery (27) has been retracted laterally so that the plexus of nerves which extends along the artery from the superior cervical ganglion is visible. The ganglion itself remains covered. The external maxillary artery has been transected just beyond its ascending palatine branch (22). No tonsillar artery was present and in this case was probably replaced by the ascending palatine artery. 1 . Mucosa of sphenoid sinus 2 . Upper pointer: Palatine nerves Lower pointer: Internal maxillary artery (cut end) 3 . Mucoperiosteum of maxillary sinus 4 . Tensor veli palatini muscle 5 . Tendinous bands which gave origin to deepest part of internal pterygoid muscle 6 . Mucosa of inferior nasal meatus 7 . Greater palatine artery 8 . Mucosa of hard palate 9 . Dorsum of tongue 10 . Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (covered by fascia) 11 . Styloglossus muscle 12 . Lingual nerve (retracted anteriorly) 13 . Hyoglossus muscle 14 . Hypoglossal nerve (XII) 15 . Semilunar ganglion (trigeminal) 16 . Tympanic membrane 17 . Mandibular nerve 18 . Chorda tympani 19 . Facial nerve (VII) 20 . Mastoid cells 21 . Upper pointer: Alar fascia Lower pointer: Styloid process 22 . Ascending palatine artery 23 . Occipital artery 24 . Internal jugular vein 25 . Upper pointer: External carotid nerve plexus Lower pointer: External carotid artery (cut off just below origin of internal maxillary artery and retracted laterally) 26 . Cervical nerve III 27 . External carotid artery 28 . Vagus nerve (X) 29 . External maxillary artery 30 . Internal carotid artery