Pterygomandibular raphe

The pterygomandibular raphe (pterygomandibular ligament) is a ligamentous band of the buccopharyngeal fascia, attached superiorly to the pterygoid hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate, and inferiorly to the posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible.

• Its medial surface is covered by the mucous membrane of the mouth.
• Its lateral surface is separated from the ramus of the mandible by a quantity of adipose tissue.
• Its posterior border gives attachment to the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle.
• Its anterior border attaches to the posterior edge of the buccinator.

Open mouth, view from front. The pterygomandibular ligaments are marked with arrows. Note that the lower wisdom teeth have been removed, slightly changing the shape of the pterygomandibular ligaments, who usually curve near their end around the lower wisdom teeth, attaching to the lower jaw medially to them.

Pterygomandibular raphe
Muscles of the pharynx and cheek. (Pterygo-Mandibular ligament labeled at center, vertically.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	raphe pterygomandibularis
TA	A05.3.01.102
FMA	55618
Anatomical terminology