Pterygomandibular raphe

The pterygomandibular raphe, also known as the pterygomandibular ligament, is a fibrous band of the buccopharyngeal fascia extending from the hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate to the mylohyoid ridge of the mandible . The pterygomandibular raphe lies between the anterior tonsillar pillar and the retromolar trigone. The pterygomandibular fold overlies the raphe within the mouth, and serves as an important landmark for an inferior alveolar nerve block .

Gross anatomy

Attachments

• superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle attaches to the posterior margin
• buccinator attaches to the anterior margin