Infratemporal Fossa — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardAnatomy (Head & Neck)Infratemporal FossaMFDS Part 1

During an endoscopic approach to the infratemporal fossa, the surgeon identifies the component of its superior boundary that contains the foramen ovale, through which the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve enters the fossa. Which structure is being identified?

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Correct answer: A — Greater wing of the sphenoid bone

The correct answer is A. The infratemporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid contributes to the roof of the infratemporal fossa and contains the foramen ovale, through which the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) passes. The squamous temporal bone also contributes to the composite roof, making option B defensible in the original unqualified stem, but it does not contain the foramen ovale. The ramus of the mandible forms the lateral boundary, while the lateral pterygoid plate forms the medial boundary. The zygomatic arch is a superficial superolateral landmark rather than the specified foraminal component of the roof.

Reference: Kasahara K et al. A Case of Infratemporal Fossa Abscess with Signs of Chronic Maxillary Osteomyelitis, anatomical boundaries section, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26085000/; Expanded Endonasal Approach for Resection of Extradural Infratemporal Fossa Trigeminal Schwannoma, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32348506/