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Three-dimensional Analysis of the Muscles Related to the So-Called “Pterygomandibular Raphe”: An Anatomical and Histological Study

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Abstract

The pterygomandibular raphe (PMR) is a tendinous bundle between the bucinator (BM) and the superior constrictor of pharynx (SC) and has been considered essential for swallowing. Despite its functional significance, previous studies reported that the PMR is not always present. Another study reported presence of the connecting fascia between the BM and deep temporalis tendon (dTT). Therefore, the present study analyzed the three-dimensional relationship between the BM, SC, and dTT. We examined 13 halves of 11 heads from adult Japanese and Caucasian cadavers: eight halves macroscopically and five halves histologically. There was no clear border between the BM and SC in any specimens macroscopically. The BM attachment varied depending on its levels. At the level of the superior part of the internal oblique line, the BM fused with the SC with no clear border. At the level of the midpart of the internal oblique line of the mandible, the BM attached to the dTT directly, and the SC attached to the dTT via collagen fibers and the BM. Based on these results, these muscles should be described as the BM/dTT/SC (BTS) complex. The three-dimensional relationship of the BTS complex might result in the so-called “pterygomandibular raphe.“ The BTS complex could be important as a muscle coordination center in chewing and swallowing.

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Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind’s overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [12].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan

    Keiko Fukino, Minami Iitsuka, Norio Kitagawa & Joe Iwanaga

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs & Joe Iwanaga

  3. Department of Neurology, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs & Joe Iwanaga

  4. Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs & Joe Iwanaga

  5. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, St. George’s, Grenada

    R. Shane Tubbs

  6. Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs

  7. Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs

  8. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    R. Shane Tubbs

  9. Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan

    Keiichi Akita

  10. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan

    Keiko Fukino

Authors
  1. Keiko Fukino
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  2. Minami Iitsuka
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  3. Norio Kitagawa
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  4. R. Shane Tubbs
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  5. Keiichi Akita
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  6. Joe Iwanaga
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study’s conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analyses were performed by KF, MI, and JI. The first draft of the manuscript was written by KF, and all authors commented on subsequent versions. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Keiko Fukino.

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Fukino, K., Iitsuka, M., Kitagawa, N. et al. Three-dimensional Analysis of the Muscles Related to the So-Called “Pterygomandibular Raphe”: An Anatomical and Histological Study. Dysphagia (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-023-10645-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-023-10645-3

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