Foramen ovale of the middle cranial fossa

Definition

The foramen ovale is an oval-shaped opening in the sphenoid bone of the middle cranial fossa through which the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3) passes. It serves as a crucial pathway for both nerves and blood vessels connecting the cranium to other parts of the head.

Related terms

Middle Cranial Fossa:

A depression in the skull base located above the sphenoid bone, housing critical brain structures.

Trigeminal Nerve:

The fifth cranial nerve responsible for sensory data from the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Sphenoid Bone:

A butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull that plays a key role in forming the cranial floor and several important foramina