Pterygoid hamulus
Hook-like process of the sphenoid bone of the skull From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The pterygoid hamulus is a hook-like process at the lower extremity of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone of the skull. It is the superior origin of the pterygomandibular raphe, and the levator veli palatini muscle.
| Pterygoid hamulus | |
|---|---|
Sphenoid bone. Anterior and inferior surfaces. (Hamulus labeled at bottom left.) | |
 Sagittal section of skull. (Sphenoid is in yellow, and pterygoid hamulus labeled at bottom center.) | |
| Details | |
| Part of | Sphenoid bone of skull |
| System | Skeletal |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | hamulus pterygoideus |
| TA98 | A02.1.05.051 |
| TA2 | 637 |
| FMA | 54722 |
| Anatomical terms of bone | |
Structure
The pterygoid hamulus is part of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone of the skull. Its tip is rounded off.[1] It has an average length of 7.2 mm, an average depth of 1.4 mm, and an average width of 2.3 mm.[1] The tendon of tensor veli palatini muscle glides around it.[1]
Function
The pterygoid hamulus is the superior origin of the pterygomandibular raphe. It is also the origin of levator veli palatini muscle.[1]
Clinical significance
Rarely, the pterygoid hamulus may be enlarged, which may cause mouth pain.[2]
See also
References
External links
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