The cavernous sinus receives venous drainage from the ophthalmic veins and communicates anteriorly with the pterygoid venous plexus through which foramen, creating a risk of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis from facial infections?

• A Foramen ovale via emissary veins
• B Superior orbital fissure and the inferior orbital fissure connecting to pterygoid plexus ✓
• C Foramen spinosum
• D Foramen lacerum

Explanation

The cavernous sinus communicates anteriorly with the pterygoid venous plexus via emissary veins passing through the inferior orbital fissure and with the facial vein via the superior ophthalmic vein. The superior orbital fissure transmits CN III, IV, VI, and V1 into the orbit. Infections of the face (danger area — between the two corners of the mouth and the nose) can spread via the facial vein → superior ophthalmic vein → cavernous sinus (since valves are absent or inefficient). Also via the pterygoid plexus through the inferior orbital fissure. Cavernous sinus thrombosis presents with proptosis, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia (CN III, IV, VI), and V1 sensory loss.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.