During endoscopic ligation for posterior epistaxis, the surgeon identifies the sphenopalatine foramen at the posterolateral wall of the nasal cavity. In addition to the sphenopalatine artery, which structure passes through this foramen to supply the nasal septum?

• A Anterior ethmoidal nerve
• B Posterior superior alveolar nerve
• C Greater palatine nerve
• D Nasopalatine nerve ✓

Explanation

The nasopalatine nerve, a branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve, passes through the sphenopalatine foramen, crosses the roof of the nasal cavity and runs forward and downward on the septum in a groove on the vomer to reach the incisive canal. It provides general sensation to the posteroinferior nasal septum and the anterior palate. The greater palatine nerve reaches the palate through its own canal, and the anterior ethmoidal nerve enters via the cribriform plate.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.