Pterygoid venous plexus
This pterygoid venous plexus is located in the infratemporal fossa and is closely associated with the pterygoid muscles. It is located between the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles.
A number of tributaries drain into the plexus corresponding to branches of the maxillary artery. It drains the face, oral cavity, nasal cavity and orbit.
Diagram illustrating the pterygoid venous plexus
Important venous communications:
*Important as infection can spread from the face or orbit via the plexus to the cavernous sinus and may result in cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Venous drainage
Drains to:
Risk of injury
The plexus is at risk of injury during dental (mandibular) nerve blocks to anaesthetise the inferior alveolar nerve
image illustrating position of inferior alveolar nerve block
A number of tributaries drain into the plexus corresponding to branches of the maxillary artery. It drains the face, oral cavity, nasal cavity and orbit.
Diagram illustrating the pterygoid venous plexus
 | |
Important venous communications:
- anterior facial vein
- inferior ophthalmic vein
- cavernous sinus*
*Important as infection can spread from the face or orbit via the plexus to the cavernous sinus and may result in cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Venous drainage
Drains to:
- Maxillary vein → retromandibular vein → external jugular → subclavian vein.
Risk of injury
The plexus is at risk of injury during dental (mandibular) nerve blocks to anaesthetise the inferior alveolar nerve
image illustrating position of inferior alveolar nerve block
 | |