Trigeminal impression
Impressio trigeminalis
- Eponym: Meckel's groove
Definition
The trigeminal impression is a shallow indentation located on the anterior surface of the petrous part of temporal bone, close to its apex. It indicates where the semilunar trigeminal ganglion resides. Nestled within the trigeminal impression, the ganglion is perfectly positioned to distribute its three branches—the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves—through their specific pathways: the superior orbital fissure, foramen rotundum, and foramen ovale, respectively.
References
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Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS and reviewed by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 826.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 28: Intracranial region’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 431.
