Does maxillary nerve really passes through the pterygopalatine fossa

[Kaymas]

Please take a look at this figure:

 

 

This illustration is actually a part of the "figure 8.2" in Grey's anatomy of students. As you can see, it states that the maxillary nerve passes through the pterygopalatine fossa. The problem is maxillary nerve, as I figured, first passes the cranial cavity through the "Foramen Rotundum" and the anterior opening of this foramen is illustrated in the figure below:

 

So that's clearly above the site which is stated in the grey's illustration. If we accept that, then we have this:

 

I wonder if It's still in the pterygopalatine fossa. I'm also eager to know whether the grey's illustration is incorrect or I'm in a state of misunderstanding.

 

I'm really confused. Please share if you have any address to the issue.

Thanks

Edited February 14, 2015 by Kaymas

[fiveworlds]

I'm not absolutely certain because they don't go into huge detail about it but one of my books mentions it crossing the pterygopalatine fossa.

 

The maxillary division of the Trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V) enters the fossa from the overlying middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum (red arrows).

 

from http://skullanatomy.info/Individ%20Spaces/Ptg_Fossa/PtPFossa.htm

Edited February 14, 2015 by fiveworlds

[Xalatan]

Yes it does - when maxillary nerve enters the foramen rotundum it will enter the superior pterygopalatine fossa.

 

Foramen rotundum connects the middle cranial fossa with the pterygopalatine fossa. So by passing through the foramen maxillary nerve by definition enters the pterygopalatine fossa. It does so briefly in transit before entering the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure but it enters the pterygopalatine fossa nonetheless.