Dorlands
/Elsevier c_04/12208776 FMA 54372 | TA A02.1.00.064 | |
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Latin c. pharyngeus, c. palatovaginalis | ||
The palatovaginal canal (also pharyngeal canal) is a canal between the sphenoid bone and the palatine bone that connects the nasopharynx with the pterygopalatine fossa. An inconstant vomerovaginal canal may lie between the ala of the vomer and the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone, medial to the palatovaginal canal, and lead into the anterior end of the palatovaginal canal. It transmits the pharyngeal branch of the third part of the maxillary artery.
Contents
Contents
The palatovaginal canal contains the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary nerve and the pharyngeal artery.
Structure
The opening to the palatovaginal canal in the nasal cavity is located near the lateral margin of the ala of the vomer, at the roots of the pterygoid process. The other opening to the palatovaginal canal is located inferiorly and posteriorly in the pterygopalatine fossa.