Foramen petrosum
Foramen petrosum
- Eponym: Canaliculus innominatus of Arnold
Definition
The foramen petrosum, alternatively known as the canaliculus innominatus, foramen of Arnold, or petrosal foramen, is a tiny bony opening situated between the foramen ovale and the foramen spinosum in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. This opening permits the lesser petrosal nerve to pass into the infratemporal fossa area. It should be noted, though, that this nerve can alternatively travel through the foramen ovale instead of the foramen petrosum.
References
__________________________________________________________________
Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 32: Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae and temporomandibular joint’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 536.
XR Anatomy (copyright 2023-24). Available at: https://xranatomy.com/sphenoid-bone/ (Updated: 10th Mar, 2023; Accessed 22nd Mar, 2024)
