The fetal pterygopalatine ganglion in man

The pterygopalatine ganglion derives from preotic myelencephalic crest cells and may receive contributions from the ganglia of the trigeminal and facial nerves [1]. There is no available information on the pterygopalatine ganglion morphology and structure in human fetuses. In adults the pterygopalatine ganglion is morphologically attached to the maxillary nerve, in the pterygopalatine fossa. Lying infero-medially to the maxillary nerve, it fills the sphenopalatine foramen in variable degree and is crossed anteriorly by the maxillary artery. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the lacrimal nucleus in pons are brought to the pterygopalatine ganglion via the greater petrosal nerve and the Vidian nerve (nervus canalis pterygoidei). Postganglionic fibers distribute to glands and blood vessels. The glandular territory is represented by the lacrimal gland [2] and mucosal glands of the palate [1], nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses [3] and pharynx [4]. The vascular territory is represented by the cerebral arteries [5-7] and arteries of the face [8], thus the ganglion is involved in migraines and facial pain.