An extradural haematoma classically results from rupture of the middle meningeal artery after a temporal bone fracture. The middle meningeal artery enters the skull via:
- A Foramen spinosum ✓
- B Foramen ovale
- C Foramen rotundum
- D Superior orbital fissure
Correct answer: A. Foramen spinosum
Explanation
The middle meningeal artery, the largest meningeal artery, is a branch of the maxillary artery (from the external carotid artery) and enters the middle cranial fossa through the foramen spinosum. It runs in grooves on the temporal bone and supplies the dura mater. The pterion (thinnest part of the temporal bone) overlies the anterior division; fractures here rupture the artery causing biconvex extradural haematoma. 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.