Sphenopalatine foramen

Where is the sphenopalatine foramen located?

The sphenopalatine foramen (foramen sphenopalatinum) is located in the posterior parts of the lateral wall of the bony nasal cavity. Topographically, it lies at the level of the superior nasal meatus (meatus nasi superior), which is situated between the superior and middle nasal conchae. In its natural state, this foramen is covered by the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. It provides communication between the nasal cavity and the pterygopalatine fossa (fossa pterygopalatina).

Topography of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity

The lateral wall of the nasal cavity has a complex bony structure, separating the nasal cavity from the orbit and the maxillary sinus. It is formed by the nasal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla, the lacrimal bone, the orbital plate and ethmoidal labyrinth of the ethmoid bone, as well as the nasal conchae (superior, middle, and inferior). In the posterior parts, the lateral wall is complemented by the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone and the medial plate of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. In this posterior zone, at the level of the superior nasal meatus, the foramen sphenopalatinum is localized. The superior nasal meatus is bounded by the superior and middle nasal conchae.

What vessels pass through the foramen?

The vessels passing through the foramen, heading from the pterygopalatine fossa into the nasal cavity, include:

• Sphenopalatine artery (a. sphenopalatina) — passes through the foramen into the nasal cavity and divides into two main groups of branches. The posterior lateral nasal branches (rr. nasales posteriores laterales) run toward the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, nasal conchae, and sinuses. The posterior septal branch (r. septalis posterior) runs toward the nasal septum.
• Accompanying veins — pass through the sphenopalatine foramen.

What nerves pass through the foramen?

The posterior superior nasal branches (rami nasales posteriores superiores), which originate from the pterygopalatine ganglion and contain sensory and secretory fibers, pass through the sphenopalatine foramen:

• Posterior superior nasal branches enter the nasal cavity and divide into lateral and medial branches.
• Lateral branches (rami laterales) innervate the mucous membrane of the posterior parts of the superior and middle nasal conchae and nasal meatuses, the posterior ethmoidal cells, the superior surface of the choanae, and the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube.
• Medial branches (rami mediales) run toward the mucous membrane of the upper part of the nasal septum.
• Nasopalatine nerve (n. nasopalatinus) — the largest medial branch. After passing through the sphenopalatine foramen, it runs between the periosteum and the mucous membrane of the nasal septum downward and forward toward the incisive canal, and then emerges onto the hard palate.

Role in the pterygopalatine fossa system

The sphenopalatine foramen provides communication between the pterygopalatine fossa (fossa pterygopalatina) and the nasal cavity. The pterygopalatine fossa is a slit-like continuation of the infratemporal fossa and contains the pterygopalatine ganglion (ganglion pterygopalatinum). The sphenopalatine artery, accompanying veins, and posterior superior nasal branches pass through the sphenopalatine foramen into the nasal cavity.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Pterygopalatine fossa (Fossa pterygopalatina)
• Pterygopalatine ganglion (Ganglion pterygopalatinum)
• Superior nasal meatus (Meatus nasi superior)
• Sphenopalatine artery (A. sphenopalatina)
• Lateral wall of the nasal cavity

Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section

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