Abstract:

Objective　To study the anatomical characteristics of human pterygopalatine ganglion and its adjacent structures in order to offer anatomical evidence for surgical application.　Methods　Thirty sides of 15 adult cadaveric heads were used. The relationship of the pterygopalatine ganglion and its adjacent structures was observed using the microscope and endoscope.　Results　Pterygopalatine ganglion was a parasympathetic ganglion that was deeply located in the pterygopalatine fossa to which the vidian nerve, the maxillary nerve and the palatine nerve were connected. The vidian nerve was attached to the ganglion in its medial upper part, the maxillary nerve in its lateral lower part and the palatine nerve in its bottom part. The palatine nerve was given from the angle formed by the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone and the posterior wall of the maxilla. The average external diameter of the beginning of the palatine nerve was （1.23±0.32）mm. The palatine nerve then passed forward and medially and descended through pterypalatine canal, travelling medially to the descending palatine artery. 　Conclusion　The pterypalatine ganglion is in the immediate vicinity with l the palatine nerve and the vidian nerve, rendering it as an important anatomical landmark in vidian neurectomy.

Key words: Pterypalatine ganglion, Microsurgical anatomy, Vidian nerve, Palatine nerve, Vidian neurectomy