Anterior frontal view through the central part of the head with exposure of the nasopharynx and medial portions of the infratemporal fossae. The pharyngotympanic tubes can be seen projecting into the lateral wall of the nasopharynx. The tensor veli palatini muscle can be seen descending along the lateral surface of the medial pterygoid plate before its tendon “hooks” around the hamulus of this plate to enter the soft palate. In this view, the maxillary nerve and nerve of the pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve) can be seen within their respective bony canals enroute to the pterygopalatine fossa. The mandibular nerve is shown emerging from the foramen ovale in the roof of the infratemporal fossa. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)