The infratemporal fossa: a trial clarification.

The contents of the infratemporal fossa have been studied using CT scans, anatomical dissections and radiography of the anatomical specimens. On the strength of this, 3 distinct regions are discernable: the anterior part of the fossa contains the fat pad of the cheek and this area corresponds to the retromaxillo-zygomatic region; the region of the pterygoid m. contains vascular structures and lies behind the preceding region; the pterygopalatine fossa, formerly considered the deepest part, extends the infratemporal fossa superiorly and medially. These anatomical and radiographic findings could serve as a guide to maxillo-facial surgeons dealing with expanding lesions within the infratemporal fossa, or invading it from adjacent regions.