What is the largest opening in the skull and what passes through it?

The foramen magnum is the largest opening. It transmits the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, accessory nerves (CN XI), and meninges.

Which cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen?

The jugular foramen transmits cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XI (accessory), along with the internal jugular vein.

What structures pass through the foramen ovale?

The foramen ovale transmits the mandibular nerve (V3), accessory meningeal artery, and the lesser petrosal nerve.

What is the clinical importance of the stylomastoid foramen?

The stylomastoid foramen is clinically significant as it transmits the facial nerve (CN VII). Damage here can cause facial paralysis.

Which foramina are important for blood supply to the meninges?

Two key foramina supply the meninges: Foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery, and the carotid canal transmits the internal carotid artery.

What passes through the superior orbital fissure?

The superior orbital fissure transmits several important structures including cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens), the ophthalmic nerve (V1), and the superior ophthalmic vein.

Which foramina transmit nerves to the face?

Several foramina transmit nerves to facial regions: Supraorbital foramen/notch transmits the supraorbital nerve, infraorbital foramen transmits the infraorbital nerve (V2), and mental foramen transmits the mental nerve.

Skull Foramina – Cranial Nerves & Vessels Guide

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