Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Jugular fossa

    The depression in the petrosal portion of the temporal bone for the jugular vein.  

  • Interpeduncular fossa

    The deep groove in the anterior surface of the midbrain, between the cerebral peduncles. The third cranial nerve emerges here.  

  • Intercondyloid fossa

    The depression on the inferior surface of the femur between the femoral condyles. The cruciate ligaments pass through it.  

  • Infratemporal fossa

    The shallow depression under and medial to the zygomatic arch. It contains the muscles of mastication, the first two parts of the maxillary artery, the pterygoid venous plexus, and branches of the mandibular nerve, the third division of the trigeminal nerve.  

  • Incisive fossa

    The depression on the anterior surface of the body of the maxilla medial to the root of the canine incisor tooth.  

  • Hypophyseal fossa

    The deep depression in the sphenoid bone in which the pituitary gland rests.  

  • Hyaloid fossa

    The depression on the anterior surface of the vitreous body of the eye. The lens is located there.  

  • Epigastric fossa

    The pit of the inside of the stomach.  

  • Digastric fossa

    The depression behind the lower margin of the mandible at the side of the symphysis menti. The anterior belly of the digastric muscle attaches here.  

  • Coronoid fossa

    The depression on the anterior surface of the lower end of the humerus. During full flexion of the forearm, the coronoid process of the ulna fits into the depression.