Foramen spinosum
Foramen spinosum
Definition
The foramen spinosum is a small opening located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, positioned posterolateral to the foramen ovale. Observing from the skull’s base, this foramen is bordered behind and to the side by the spine of the sphenoid bone.
Two significant structures, the middle meningeal artery and the recurrent meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve, pass through the foramen spinosum to reach the cranial cavity. You can trace the middle meningeal artery’s bony grooves from the foramen spinosum, extending outwards and upwards along the interior surface of the temporal region. In this area, they are at risk of being torn by a fracture to the temple region, which can result in a serious condition known as an epidural hematoma.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Lipsett BJ, Alsayouri K. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Skull Foramen. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546621/
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.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 27: External skull’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 422.
