Pterygopalatine ganglion

The pterygopalatine ganglion (aka Meckel's ganglion, nasal ganglion, SPG or sphenopalatine ganglion) is a parasympathetic ganglion found in the pterygopalatine fossa. It is largely innervated by the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve); and its axons project to the lacrimal glands and nasal mucosa. The flow of blood to the nasal mucosa, in particular the venous plexus of the conchae, is regulated by the pterygopalatine ganglion and heats or cools the air in the nose. It is one of four parasympathetic ganglia of the head and neck, the others being the submandibular ganglion, otic ganglion, and ciliary ganglion.

Pterygopalatine ganglion
Alveolar branches of superior maxillary nerve and pterygopalatine ganglion
The pterygopalatine ganglion and its branches (pterygopalatine ganglion visible but not labeled, as large yellow ganglion in upper-right center)
Details
FromMaxillary nerve and nerve of pterygoid canal
ToGreater palatine nerve, lesser palatine nerve, posterior lateral nasal branches and nasopalatine nerve
Identifiers
LatinGanglion pterygopalatinum
TA98A14.3.02.006
TA26665
FMA6965
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure

The pterygopalatine ganglion (of Meckel), the largest of the parasympathetic ganglia associated with the branches of the maxillary nerve, is deeply placed in the pterygopalatine fossa, close to the sphenopalatine foramen. It is triangular or heart-shaped, of a reddish-gray color, and is situated just below the maxillary nerve as it crosses the fossa.

The pterygopalatine ganglion supplies the lacrimal gland, paranasal sinuses, glands of the mucosa of the nasal cavity and pharynx, the gingiva, and the mucous membrane and glands of the hard palate. It communicates anteriorly with the nasopalatine nerve.

Roots

It receives a sensory, a parasympathetic, and a sympathetic root.

Sensory root

Its sensory root is derived from two sphenopalatine branches of the maxillary nerve; their fibers, for the most part, pass directly into the palatine nerves; a few, however, enter the ganglion, constituting its sensory root.

Parasympathetic root

Its parasympathetic root is derived from the nervus intermedius (a part of the facial nerve) through the greater petrosal nerve.

In the pterygopalatine ganglion, the preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the greater petrosal branch of the facial nerve synapse with neurons whose postganglionic axons, vasodilator, and secretory fibers are distributed with the deep branches of the trigeminal nerve to the mucous membrane of the nose, soft palate, tonsils, uvula, roof of the mouth, upper lip and gums, and upper part of the pharynx. It also sends postganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal nerve (a branch of the Ophthalmic nerve, also part of the trigeminal nerve) via the zygomatic nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve (from the trigeminal nerve), which then arrives at the lacrimal gland.

The nasal glands are innervated with secretomotor fibers from the nasal branches. Likewise, the palatine glands are innervated by the nasopalatine, greater palatine nerve and lesser palatine nerves. The pharyngeal nerve innervates pharyngeal glands. These are all branches of maxillary nerve.

Sympathetic root

The ganglion also consists of sympathetic efferent (postganglionic) fibers from the superior cervical ganglion. These fibers, from the superior cervical ganglion, travel through the carotid plexus, and then through the deep petrosal nerve. The deep petrosal nerve (carrying postganglionic sympathetics) joins with the greater petrosal nerve (carrying preganglionic parasympathetics) to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, which passes through the pterygoid canal before entering the ganglion. The Stellate Ganglion is at the bottom of the Cervical Sympathetic Chain. Fibers from the Stellate Ganglion (SG) pass up the chain to the Supeior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion and into / through the Sphenopalatine Ganglion.

Branches

Blockade and Neuromodulation of the Pterygopalatine ganglion (Sphenopalatine Ganglion, SPG)

Blockade of the ganglion with local anesthetic, clinically referred to as a ‘sphenopalatine ganglion block’ (SPG) may be performed transcutaneously with a small needle, or topically via the nose with local anesthetic soaked swabs. The topical SPG is used for treatment of persistent migraines and cluster headaches, demonstrating relief within 10-20 minutes. Increasingly the SPG is also used to treat post-dural-puncture headache (PDPH), and may be as effective as an epidural blood patch when used for PDPH.

Self-Administration of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks with Cotton-Tipped Catheters with continual capillary feed is the most cost-effective method of treatment and has the benefit of allowing patients to avoid visits to physicians and Emergeny Departments. After initial visit Self-Administered SPG Blocks (SASPGB) are less than $1.00 per application. Frequent repeated administration of SPG Blocks seems to increase effectiveness initially, after which decreased frequency is required. Self-Administered SPG Blocks can be used to treat acute pain symptoms, and prophylactically to reduce the onset of painful conditions and anxiety.

SASPGB

SASPGB are extremely helpful for treatment of Migraines, Chronic Daily Headaches, Anxiety and TMJ Disorders. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks and SASPGB are also effective in about ​1⁄3 of cases of essential hypertension.

The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block has been called "The Miracle Block" after publication of Albert Bengamin Gerber's book Miracles on Park Avenue, the story of octogenerian ENT Dr. Milton Reder, whose entire medical practice was based on SPG Blocks.

There are multiple new devices utilized for Neuromodulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion. There is one non-invasive device, a Myomonitor, an Ultra Low Frequency TENS (ULF-TENS) that has been utilized safely for more than 50 years by neuromuscular dentists in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and orofacial pain conditions. Spenopalatine Ganglion Neuromodulation (possible vagal nerve) is a fortunate secondary effect making it extremely effective for TMD.

Additional images
  • Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves.
  • The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses.
  • Diagram of efferent sympathetic nervous system.
  • Sympathetic connections of the sphenopalatine and superior cervical ganglia.
  • Diagram of the cervical sympathetic.
  • An illustration of the path of the Maxillary nerve.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 891 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

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