An extradural haematoma classically results from rupture of the middle meningeal artery. The middle meningeal artery enters the cranium through which foramen and runs in the epidural space?
- A Foramen ovale
- B Foramen rotundum
- C Foramen spinosum ✓
- D Foramen lacerum
Correct answer: C. Foramen spinosum
Explanation
The middle meningeal artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, enters the cranium through the foramen spinosum in the floor of the middle cranial fossa. It then grooves the inner surface of the squamous temporal bone (pterion — the thinnest part of the skull), making it vulnerable to injury with even a seemingly minor blow to the temporal region. A lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration (due to arterial haematoma expansion) is classic. Foramen ovale transmits CN V3; foramen rotundum transmits CN V2.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.