2O2 SURGICAL APPLIED ANATOMY. [Chap. vn. 



incisor and canine teeth, will probably be divided. 

 The infraorbital vein ends in the pterygoid plexus. 

 The ganglion is surrounded by the terminal branches 

 of the internal maxillary artery. It is a triangular 

 body, with a diameter of about one-fifth of an inch. 

 It is a little convex on its outer side, and is of a red- 

 dish colour. 



The following are the relations of the ganglion : 



Above. 

 The second division of the fifth nerve. 



Outer side. Inner side. 

 Termination of internal J?IClcel'S Vertical plate of palate, 

 maxillary artery. Spheno - palatine fora- 

 External pterygoid gaJlgllOIl. men. 

 muscle. 



Behind. 

 Vidian canaL 

 Sphenoid bono. 



The inferior dental nerve has been divided at 

 the mental foramen by an incision made through the 

 mucous membrane. Through this incision the nerve 

 can be stretched and the cutaneous portion of it ex- 

 cised. Its trunk has been reached, and a part excised 

 through a trephine hole made in the body of the 

 lower jaw. This operation, however, inflicts great 

 damage upon the bone, and cannot be recommended. 

 The artery, moreover, is liable to be wounded. 



The nerve has been divided also before its 

 entry into the dental foramen in the following 

 manner : The mouth being held widely open, an 

 incision is made from the last upper molar to the 

 last lower molar just to the inner side of the 

 anterior border of the coronoid process. The cut 

 passes through the mucoiis membrane down to the 

 tendon of the temporal muscle. The finger is 

 introduced into the incision, and passed between 

 the ramus of the jaw and the internal pterygoid 

 muscle until the bony point is felt that marks the 



