Infratemporal Surface of The Body of The Maxilla

The infratemporal surface is convex, directed backward and lateralward, and forms part of the infratemporal fossa.

It is separated from the anterior surface by the zygomatic process and by a strong ridge, extending upward from the socket of the first molar tooth. It is pierced about its center by the apertures of the alveolar canals, which transmit the posterior superior alveolar vessels and nerves.

At the lower part of this surface is a rounded eminence, the maxillary tuberosity, especially prominent after the growth of the wisdom teeth; it is rough on its lateral side for articulation with the pyramidal process of the palatine bone and in some cases articulates with the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid.

It gives origin to a few fibers of the internal pterygoid muscle (aka Pterygoideus internus). Immediately above this is a smooth surface, which forms the anterior boundary of the pterygopalatine fossa, and presents a groove, for the maxillary nerve; this groove is directed lateralward and slightly upward, and is continuous with the infraorbital groove on the orbital surface.

This article incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy.