The anatomy of the foramina and efferent nerve fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion in posterolateral nasal wall

BACKGROUND: The advance of endoscopic surgery has enabled selective section of the postganglionic nerve branches from pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) as a modification of the vidian neurectomy. Recent microanatomic studies have suggested that the nasal mucosa is also innervated by multiple efferent rami associated with the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) in the procedure “posterior nasal neurectomy.” This anatomic cadaveric study aims to identify all postganglionic nerve fibers in the lateral nasal wall which should inform future surgical procedures aimed at interrupting these nerve fibers. METHODS: Two cadaver heads, with a total of three individual sides, were dissected. All neurovascular structures penetrating the vertical plate of palatine bone were carefully identified following meticulous removal of the overlying mucosa layers. The efferent nerve fibers were identified and dissected back to their origin—the PPG or greater palatine nerve. RESULTS: Several foramina with efferent PPG nerves were identified on the vertical plate of the palatine bone and medial pterygoid plate. The superior, middle, and inferior turbinates (IT) were innervated by efferent nerves from the PPG via the anterior region of the SPA. The IT was innervated from nerves originating from behind the SPA through bony foramina. The lateral wall of inferior meatus was innervated by efferent nerves that originated from greater palatine nerve and pharyngeal nerve. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the anatomical positions of the postganglionic nerves that innervate the lateral nasal wall. These nerves are located anterior to the SPA as well as posterior to the SPA, where they penetrate the palatine bone. Level of evidence: NA.