Infratemporal space

Infratemporal space
Lateral view of skull, with part of the zygomatic complex removed. The infratemporal space is inferior to the base of skull and lateral to the lateral pterygoid plate.
Anatomical terminology

The infratemporal space (also termed the infra-temporal space or the infra-temporal portion of the deep temporal space)[1] is a fascial space of the head and neck (sometimes also termed fascial spaces or tissue spaces). It is a potential space in the side of the head, and is paired on either side. It is located posterior to the maxilla, between the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone medially and by the base of skull superiorly.[2] The term is derived from infra- meaning below and temporal which refers to the temporalis muscle.

The infratemporal space is the inferior portion of the deep temporal space, which is one of the four compartments of the masticator space, along with the pterygomandibular space, the submasseteric space and the superficial temporal space.[2] The deep temporal space is separated from the pterygomandibular space by the lateral pterygoid muscle inferiorly and from the superficial temporal space by the temporalis muscle laterally. The deep temporal space and the superficial temporal space together make up the temporal spaces.[3]

The four compartents of the right masticator space. A Temporalis muscle, B Masseter muscle, C Lateral pterygoid muscle, D Medial ptaerygoid muscle, E Superficial temporal space, F Deep temporal space, G Submasseteric space, H Pterygomandibular space, I Approximate location of infratemporal space.
  1. ^ Topazian RG, Goldberg MH, Hupp JR (2002). Oral and maxillofacial infections (4. ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. pp. 188–213. ISBN 978-0721692715.
  2. ^ a b Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR (2008). Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery (5th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier. pp. 317–333. ISBN 9780323049030.
  3. ^ Hargreaves KM, Cohen S, eds. (2010). Cohen's pathways of the pulp. Berman LH (web editor) (10th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier. pp. 590–594. ISBN 978-0-323-06489-7.