pterygoid process

/ ˈtɛrɪˌɡɔɪd /

noun

1. anatomy either of two long bony plates extending downwards from each side of the sphenoid bone within the skull

Word History and Origins

Origin of pterygoid process¹

C18 pterygoid, from Greek pterugoeidēs, from pterux wing; see -oid

Example Sentences

The palatine is well developed, the pterygoid is small and early fuses with the pterygoid process of the alisphenoid.

From Project Gutenberg

In posterior sections the cornu lies medial to the squamosal-pterygoid process-pterygoid complex (Fig. 18).

From Project Gutenberg

The posterior branch of the otic process merges with the pterygoid process ventrally.

From Project Gutenberg