Which of the following correctly describes the boundaries of the foramen lacerum in the living body?
- A It transmits the internal carotid artery and is a true opening filled with cartilage
- B It is filled with cartilage in life and the internal carotid artery passes through its superior opening but not through the foramen itself ✓
- C It transmits the maxillary nerve and the artery of the pterygoid canal
- D It transmits the mandibular nerve and the middle meningeal artery
Correct answer: B. It is filled with cartilage in life and the internal carotid artery passes through its superior opening but not through the foramen itself
Explanation
The foramen lacerum is filled with cartilage in life and is not a true transmitting foramen. The internal carotid artery passes through the carotid canal, then runs superior to the foramen lacerum covered by fibrous tissue, but does not traverse the foramen itself. The maxillary nerve passes through foramen rotundum, the mandibular nerve through foramen ovale, and the middle meningeal artery through foramen spinosum. This distinction is frequently tested.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.