Which of the following structures passes through the foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone?
- A Maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve
- B Greater petrosal nerve
- C Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve ✓
- D Middle meningeal artery
Correct answer: C. Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
Explanation
The foramen ovale in the greater wing of the sphenoid transmits the mandibular nerve (V3), the accessory meningeal artery, the lesser petrosal nerve, and an emissary vein connecting the pterygoid plexus to the cavernous sinus. The maxillary nerve leaves through the foramen rotundum, the middle meningeal artery through the foramen spinosum, and the greater petrosal nerve exits via the foramen lacerum region after passing through the facial canal.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.