Postmaxillary Fossa

The posterior mandibular fossa (English: Posterior mandible fossa, syn. Retro-mandibular fossa) is a depression in the lower jaw, located between the chewing surface and the posterior edge of the branch. It is an important anatomical formation that provides support for the muscles and vessels passing through this area.

The postmaxillary fossa has a triangular shape and is located at the level of the second and third molars of the mandible. Its bottom is formed by the chewing surface of the lower jaw, and the side walls are formed by the ramus of the lower jaw and the temporal bone. The anterior wall of the fossa is formed by the maxillotemporal process and the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone.

This fossa contains important neurovascular structures such as the lingual nerve, lingual artery and veins, and the masseter muscle. In addition, this area contains lymph nodes and glands that are involved in the body's immune defense.

Thus, the postmaxillary fossa is an important anatomical structure that plays an important role in the functioning of the mandible and the entire maxillofacial region. Knowledge of its anatomy and topography can be useful for dentists, surgeons and other specialists working in this field.

Posteriorly, the jaw fossa is a special part of the posterior cranial fossa, located at the posterior end of the facial part of the skull. It is bounded posteriorly by the temporal branch of the mandible, and anteriorly by the posterior end of the inferior temporal bone.

Behind the jaw fossa, five pairs of foramina intersect, of which four pairs are the actual foveal foramina and a large unpaired one. They all make up me