Newly identified thin membranous tissue in the deep infratemporal region

Abstract

Recently, the importance of deglutition has attracted attention due to its role in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia. We therefore observed the anatomy of the pharynx of 57 hemi-sections of adult Japanese cadavers (male 32 sides, female 25 sides). A previously unidentified tissue was observed in the infratemporal fossa. This unidentified tissue was a thin membranous tissue that existed between the medial pterygoid and the superior constrictor in all of the cadavers examined. The previously unknown membranous tissue consisted of collagenous and muscular fibers and was innervated mainly by a branch of the mandibular nerve. © 2012 The Author(s).