Hiatus for lesser petrosal nerve

The hiatus for lesser petrosal nerve is found on the anterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone. It sits below and lateral to the trigeminal impression and further below the hiatus for the greater petrosal nerve. This hiatus signifies the end of the bony groove through which the lesser petrosal nerve passes through. The nerve starts within the tympanic plexus in the middle ear and comes out onto the bone's surface at this point. After it appears, it moves inwards toward the foramen ovale, and it stays beneath and lateral to the greater petrosal nerve along its route. Finally, the nerve goes into the foramen ovale, proceeding to the infratemporal fossa.