Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study

Nazire Kılıç Şafak; Gamze Taşkın Şenol

doi:10.17944/interdiscip.1695139

Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study

Abstract

Objective: The pterygomaxillary junction (PMJ) is a triangular cleft between the maxilla and pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, serving as a transition point between the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae. The terminal branches of the maxillary artery pass through this region to reach the pterygopalatine fossa. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric characteristics of the PMJ. Method: Forty human skulls of unknown sex and age from the Çukurova and Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Departments of Anatomy were examined. After identifying the PMJ type (fissure or synostosis), the PMJ width and height, and maxillary tuberosity height were measured using a caliper. The data were then statistically analyzed. Results: Fissure-type bilateral PMJ was observed in 92.5% of 40 cases and bilateral synostosis in 7.5%. The mean PMJ height was 16.58 mm, the mean width was 5.02 mm, height of the posterior maxilla was 21.27 mm, and the average maxillary tuberosity height was 5.19 mm. No statistically significant differences were found between the right- and left-sided measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the PMJ. Detailed knowledge of this region is clinically important, particularly in procedures such as Le Fort I osteotomy, due to its proximity to the maxillary artery and the risk of excessive bleeding.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Surgery (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Nazire Kılıç Şafak ^*
Türkiye

Gamze Taşkın Şenol
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 16, 2025

Submission Date

May 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 18, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 56

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17944/interdiscip.1695139

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA77KE28MX

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kılıç Şafak, N., & Taşkın Şenol, G. (2025). Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study. Interdisciplinary Medical Journal, 16(56), 143-147. https://doi.org/10.17944/interdiscip.1695139

AMA

1.Kılıç Şafak N, Taşkın Şenol G. Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study. Interdiscip Med J. 2025;16(56):143-147. doi:10.17944/interdiscip.1695139

Chicago

Kılıç Şafak, Nazire, and Gamze Taşkın Şenol. 2025. “Morphometric Characterization of the Pterygomaxillary Junction: An Anatomical Study”. Interdisciplinary Medical Journal 16 (56): 143-47. https://doi.org/10.17944/interdiscip.1695139.

EndNote

Kılıç Şafak N, Taşkın Şenol G (December 1, 2025) Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study. Interdisciplinary Medical Journal 16 56 143–147.

IEEE

[1]N. Kılıç Şafak and G. Taşkın Şenol, “Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study”, Interdiscip Med J, vol. 16, no. 56, pp. 143–147, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.17944/interdiscip.1695139.

ISNAD

Kılıç Şafak, Nazire - Taşkın Şenol, Gamze. “Morphometric Characterization of the Pterygomaxillary Junction: An Anatomical Study”. Interdisciplinary Medical Journal 16/56 (December 1, 2025): 143-147. https://doi.org/10.17944/interdiscip.1695139.

JAMA

1.Kılıç Şafak N, Taşkın Şenol G. Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study. Interdiscip Med J. 2025;16:143–147.

MLA

Kılıç Şafak, Nazire, and Gamze Taşkın Şenol. “Morphometric Characterization of the Pterygomaxillary Junction: An Anatomical Study”. Interdisciplinary Medical Journal, vol. 16, no. 56, Dec. 2025, pp. 143-7, doi:10.17944/interdiscip.1695139.

Vancouver

1.Nazire Kılıç Şafak, Gamze Taşkın Şenol. Morphometric characterization of the pterygomaxillary junction: an anatomical study. Interdiscip Med J. 2025 Dec. 1;16(56):143-7. doi:10.17944/interdiscip.1695139