A Study on Unusual Foramen in the Middle Cranial Fossa in Adult South Indian Dry Skulls

Abstract

Foramen Vesalius is present in anteromedial side of the foramen ovale. It connects the pterygoid plexus with the cavernous sinus and transmits a small emissary vein which drains the cavernous sinus. The main importance of this foramen is that it offers a path for the spread of an infection from the extracranial source to the cavernous sinus. Foramen innominatus is found between foramen spinosum and foramen ovale if present it transmits the lesser petrosal nerve. Neurosurgeons should be very precautious about these unusual foramina.The main aim of this study is to analyse the presence of foramen vesalius and foramen innominatus in the middle cranial fossa. For the present study,30 dry human cranial fossa of unknown sex from the Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai was examined. From the study, the incidence of unusual foramina was 23.3%. Foramen vesalius was present in 10% of the total skulls and foramen innominatus was present in 13.3% of the total skulls studied. Knowledge about this unusual foramina will be useful for neurosurgeons while conducting surgeries.