pterygoid process

Structure

• a long process extending downward from the junction of the body & greater wing of the sphenoid bone on either side
• it is formed from 2 plates (medial & lateral), joined anteriorly, but separated inferiorly forming the pterygoid notch
• divergence of these 2 plates posteriorly forms the pteryoid fossa.

More general terms

• bony process

Component of

• sphenoid bone