Where does the maxillary nerve pass through in the skull?

Where does the maxillary nerve pass through in the skull?

• A. Foramen Rotundum
• B. Foramen Ovale
• C. Superior Orbital Fissure
• D. Foramen Spinosum

Answer: (A)

The maxillary nerve exits the skull through the foramen rotundum. As the second division of the trigeminal nerve, it passes from the cranial cavity via this opening into the pterygopalatine fossa, then continues onward to supply midface structures (often continuing as the infraorbital nerve). The other openings are associated with different branches: the superior orbital fissure carries the ophthalmic division (V1) and several ocular nerves; the foramen ovale carries the mandibular division (V3); and the foramen spinosum mainly transmits the middle meningeal vessels (and some small meningeal branches), not the maxillary nerve.

The maxillary nerve exits the skull through the foramen rotundum. As the second division of the trigeminal nerve, it passes from the cranial cavity via this opening into the pterygopalatine fossa, then continues onward to supply midface structures (often continuing as the infraorbital nerve). The other openings are associated with different branches: the superior orbital fissure carries the ophthalmic division (V1) and several ocular nerves; the foramen ovale carries the mandibular division (V3); and the foramen spinosum mainly transmits the middle meningeal vessels (and some small meningeal branches), not the maxillary nerve.