Cranial foramina
Foramina cranii
- Synonym: Foramina of the skull
Definition
The cranial foramina allow passage of cranial nerves, arteries and veins. Numerous foramina of the skull are described, and vary in size and number, with age. Here a short list of the main cranial foramina with their contents :
Cribriform (olfactory) foramina: olfactory nerve (I)
Optic canal: optic nerve (II), ophthalmic artery and dural sheath of optic nerve
Superior orbital fissure: oculomotor nerve (III), trochlear nerve (IV), ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1), abducent nerve (VI) and ophthalmic veins
Foramen ovale: mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3), accessory meningeal branch of maxillary artery, emissary vein and lesser petrosal nerve
Foramen rotundum: maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2)
Foramen spinosum: middle meningeal artery
Foramen lacerum: greater petrosal nerve
Carotid canal: internal carotid artery
Internal acoustic foramen: facial nerve (VII) and vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)
Jugular foramen: glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), vagus nerve (X), descending portion of the spinal accessory nerve (XI) and internal jugular vein
Hypoglossal canal: hypoglossal nerve (CNXII)
Foramen magnum: brainstem/spinal cord, vertebral arteries, ascending portion of the spinal accessory nerve (XI)
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