The alae are the wing-like, lateral projections of the superior border of the bone. The paired alae and superior border form a shallow grooved plate that forms a strong articulation with the rostrum of the sphenoid bone. The alae articulate with the sphenoidal processes of the palatine bone and the vaginal processes of the medial pterygoid plates. The lateral edge of the ala, the vaginal process of the medial pterygoid process, and the sphenoidal process of the palatine bone form a narrow anteroposteriorly coursing groove along the base of the sphenoid bone. This groove, the palatovaginal canal, enters the anterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa. It carries the pharyngeal branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion and a pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery.

Vomer is Latin meaning a plowshare. It probably arises from the Latin word vomere meaning to vomit. The plow throws up or vomits the earth to one side. Ala is Latin for wing.

Ala vomeris

Aile du vomer