SKULL FORAMINA

Foramina

is important as it serves as avenue for blood vessels and nerves of the head to pass through from one structure to another.

Hypoglossal canal

• Occipital

• Hypoglossal nerve, condylar vein and artery

Optic canal

• Presphenoid

• Optic nerve

Orbital fissure

• Presphenoid

• Ophthalmic nerve, CN III, IV, and VI

Foramen rotundum

• Presphenoid

• Maxillary nerve

Rostral and Caudal alar foramen

• Basisphenoid

• Maxillary artery

Small alar foramen

• Basisphenoid

• Rostral deep temporal artery

Foramen lacerum

• Tympanic bulla

• Internal carotid artery

Jugular foramen

• Basioccipital and temporal

• CN IX, X and XI; Dog: Internal carotid artery

Oval foramen

• Caudolateral to the caudal alar foramen

• Mandibular nerve

Carotid canal

• Basisphenoid

• Internal carotid artery (except dog; Internal carotid nerve

Spinous foramen

• Basisphenoid

• Trochlear nerve, middle meningeal artery

Ethmoidal foramen

• Frontal

• Ethmoidal nerve, vein and artery

Infraorbital foramen

• Maxilla

• Infraorbital nerve, vein and artery

Mandibular foramen

• Mandible

• Mandibular nerve, vein and artery

Mental foramen

• Mandible

• Mental nerve, vein and artery

Greater palatine foramen

• Palatine

• Greater palatine nerve and artery

Foramen magnum

• Occipital bone

• Spinal cord