Test on the anatomy of the canals and foramina of the cranial base

1. Which structure passes through the round foramen (foramen rotundum) of the sphenoid bone?

• Ophthalmic nerve

  Through the round foramen, the maxillary nerve (the second branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits from the cranial cavity into the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Maxillary nerve

  Through the round foramen, the maxillary nerve (the second branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits from the cranial cavity into the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Mandibular nerve

  Through the round foramen, the maxillary nerve (the second branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits from the cranial cavity into the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Middle meningeal artery

  Through the round foramen, the maxillary nerve (the second branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits from the cranial cavity into the pterygopalatine fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Through the round foramen, the maxillary nerve (the second branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits from the cranial cavity into the pterygopalatine fossa.

2. Which of the following passes through the foramen spinosum?

• Middle meningeal artery

  The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) into the middle cranial fossa.

• Internal carotid artery

  The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) into the middle cranial fossa.

• Accessory nerve

  The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) into the middle cranial fossa.

• Emissary vein

  The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) into the middle cranial fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The foramen spinosum transmits the middle meningeal artery (a branch of the maxillary artery) into the middle cranial fossa.

3. Which of the listed cranial nerves does NOT pass through the jugular foramen?

• Glossopharyngeal nerve

  The hypoglossal nerve (XII cranial nerve) exits the skull through its own canal (canalis hypoglossi), while the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen.

• Vagus nerve

  The hypoglossal nerve (XII cranial nerve) exits the skull through its own canal (canalis hypoglossi), while the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen.

• Accessory nerve

  The hypoglossal nerve (XII cranial nerve) exits the skull through its own canal (canalis hypoglossi), while the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen.

• Hypoglossal nerve

  The hypoglossal nerve (XII cranial nerve) exits the skull through its own canal (canalis hypoglossi), while the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The hypoglossal nerve (XII cranial nerve) exits the skull through its own canal (canalis hypoglossi), while the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves pass through the jugular foramen.

4. Which anatomical structures pass through the optical canal (canalis opticus)?

• Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery

  Through the optical canal, the optic nerve (II cranial nerve) and ophthalmic artery pass, directed toward the orbital cavity.

• Optic nerve and orbital vein

  Through the optical canal, the optic nerve (II cranial nerve) and ophthalmic artery pass, directed toward the orbital cavity.

• Oculomotor nerve and ophthalmic artery

  Through the optical canal, the optic nerve (II cranial nerve) and ophthalmic artery pass, directed toward the orbital cavity.

• Trochlear nerve and ophthalmic artery

  Through the optical canal, the optic nerve (II cranial nerve) and ophthalmic artery pass, directed toward the orbital cavity.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Through the optical canal, the optic nerve (II cranial nerve) and ophthalmic artery pass, directed toward the orbital cavity.

5. Which structure passes through the superior orbital fissure (fissura orbitalis superior)?

• Maxillary nerve

  Through the superior orbital fissure pass the III, IV, VI (abducens) cranial nerves, and the first branch of the V nerve (ophthalmic nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.

• Abducens nerve

  Through the superior orbital fissure pass the III, IV, VI (abducens) cranial nerves, and the first branch of the V nerve (ophthalmic nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.

• Ophthalmic artery

  Through the superior orbital fissure pass the III, IV, VI (abducens) cranial nerves, and the first branch of the V nerve (ophthalmic nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.

• Infraorbital nerve

  Through the superior orbital fissure pass the III, IV, VI (abducens) cranial nerves, and the first branch of the V nerve (ophthalmic nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Through the superior orbital fissure pass the III, IV, VI (abducens) cranial nerves, and the first branch of the V nerve (ophthalmic nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.

6. Which structure exits the cranial cavity through the oval foramen (foramen ovale)?

• Maxillary nerve

  Through the foramen ovale, from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits.

• Facial nerve

  Through the foramen ovale, from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits.

• Mandibular nerve

  Through the foramen ovale, from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits.

• Vagus nerve

  Through the foramen ovale, from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Through the foramen ovale, from the middle cranial fossa to the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve (third branch of the trigeminal nerve) exits.

7. Which nerves enter the internal auditory meatus (porus acusticus internus)?

• Trigeminal and abducent

  Into the internal auditory canal go the facial (VII cranial nerve) and vestibulocochlear (VIII cranial nerve) nerves.

• Glossopharyngeal and vagus

  Into the internal auditory canal go the facial (VII cranial nerve) and vestibulocochlear (VIII cranial nerve) nerves.

• Facial and vestibulocochlear

  Into the internal auditory canal go the facial (VII cranial nerve) and vestibulocochlear (VIII cranial nerve) nerves.

• Trochlear and oculomotor

  Into the internal auditory canal go the facial (VII cranial nerve) and vestibulocochlear (VIII cranial nerve) nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Into the internal auditory canal go the facial (VII cranial nerve) and vestibulocochlear (VIII cranial nerve) nerves.

8. Which foramen marks the exit of the facial nerve (nervus facialis) from the temporal bone at the cranial base?

• Foramen lacerum

  The facial nerve exits the facial canal of the temporal bone through the stylomastoid foramen

• Stylomastoid foramen

  The facial nerve exits the facial canal of the temporal bone through the stylomastoid foramen

• Jugular foramen

  The facial nerve exits the facial canal of the temporal bone through the stylomastoid foramen

• Mastoid foramen

  The facial nerve exits the facial canal of the temporal bone through the stylomastoid foramen

• I find it difficult to answer

  The facial nerve exits the facial canal of the temporal bone through the stylomastoid foramen

9. Where is the external opening of the carotid canal (apertura externa canalis carotici) through which the internal carotid artery enters located?

• On the inferior surface of the temporal bone pyramid

  The external opening of the carotid canal is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

• In the region of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone

  The external opening of the carotid canal is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

• On the basilar part of the occipital bone

  The external opening of the carotid canal is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

• On the anterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

  The external opening of the carotid canal is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

• I find it difficult to answer

  The external opening of the carotid canal is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone

10. Which of the listed structures does NOT pass through the foramen magnum?

• Vertebral artery

  The internal jugular vein forms at the jugular foramen, and through the foramen magnum pass the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and roots of the XI nerve.

• Spinal roots of the accessory nerve

  The internal jugular vein forms at the jugular foramen, and through the foramen magnum pass the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and roots of the XI nerve.

• Internal jugular vein

  The internal jugular vein forms at the jugular foramen, and through the foramen magnum pass the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and roots of the XI nerve.

• Medulla oblongata

  The internal jugular vein forms at the jugular foramen, and through the foramen magnum pass the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and roots of the XI nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The internal jugular vein forms at the jugular foramen, and through the foramen magnum pass the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and roots of the XI nerve.

11. Which foramen of the cranial base transmits the olfactory nerves (nervi olfactorii)?

• Crista galli

  The olfactory nerves (I cranial nerves) enter the anterior cranial fossa through the foramina of the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone.

• Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone

  The olfactory nerves (I cranial nerves) enter the anterior cranial fossa through the foramina of the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone.

• Smooth part of frontal bone

  The olfactory nerves (I cranial nerves) enter the anterior cranial fossa through the foramina of the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone.

• Cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone

  The olfactory nerves (I cranial nerves) enter the anterior cranial fossa through the foramina of the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The olfactory nerves (I cranial nerves) enter the anterior cranial fossa through the foramina of the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone.

12. Which structures pass through the pterygoid (vidian) canal of the sphenoid bone?

• Greater and lesser palatine nerves

  In the pterygoid canal (canalis pterygoideus), the nerve of the pterygoid canal (formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves) and vessels pass through.

• Maxillary artery and vein

  In the pterygoid canal (canalis pterygoideus), the nerve of the pterygoid canal (formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves) and vessels pass through.

• Homonymous nerve and vessels

  In the pterygoid canal (canalis pterygoideus), the nerve of the pterygoid canal (formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves) and vessels pass through.

• Pterygopalatine ganglion

  In the pterygoid canal (canalis pterygoideus), the nerve of the pterygoid canal (formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves) and vessels pass through.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In the pterygoid canal (canalis pterygoideus), the nerve of the pterygoid canal (formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves) and vessels pass through.

13. What is the functional purpose of the condylar canal (canalis condylaris)?

• Passage of the accessory nerve

  The condylar canal is an inconstant structure containing the condylar emissary vein, connecting the sigmoid sinus with external veins.

• Passage of the emissary vein

  The condylar canal is an inconstant structure containing the condylar emissary vein, connecting the sigmoid sinus with external veins.

• Passage of the occipital artery

  The condylar canal is an inconstant structure containing the condylar emissary vein, connecting the sigmoid sinus with external veins.

• Exit of the hypoglossal nerve

  The condylar canal is an inconstant structure containing the condylar emissary vein, connecting the sigmoid sinus with external veins.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The condylar canal is an inconstant structure containing the condylar emissary vein, connecting the sigmoid sinus with external veins.

14. Which structure is adjacent to the internal aperture of the carotid canal in the region of the foramen lacerum in a living person?

• Dura mater without cartilaginous tissue

  In a living person, the foramen lacerum is closed by synchondrosis (fibrocartilage), on the upper surface of which the internal carotid artery runs.

• Mandibular nerve

  In a living person, the foramen lacerum is closed by synchondrosis (fibrocartilage), on the upper surface of which the internal carotid artery runs.

• Glossopharyngeal nerve

  In a living person, the foramen lacerum is closed by synchondrosis (fibrocartilage), on the upper surface of which the internal carotid artery runs.

• Fibrocartilage

  In a living person, the foramen lacerum is closed by synchondrosis (fibrocartilage), on the upper surface of which the internal carotid artery runs.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In a living person, the foramen lacerum is closed by synchondrosis (fibrocartilage), on the upper surface of which the internal carotid artery runs.

15. Where is the hypoglossal canal (canalis hypoglossi) located?

• In the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone

  The hypoglossal canal pierces the base of the occipital condyle and serves as the exit for the XII cranial nerve pair.

• At the apex of the temporal bone pyramid

  The hypoglossal canal pierces the base of the occipital condyle and serves as the exit for the XII cranial nerve pair.

• In the body of the sphenoid bone

  The hypoglossal canal pierces the base of the occipital condyle and serves as the exit for the XII cranial nerve pair.

• At the base of the occipital condyle

  The hypoglossal canal pierces the base of the occipital condyle and serves as the exit for the XII cranial nerve pair.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The hypoglossal canal pierces the base of the occipital condyle and serves as the exit for the XII cranial nerve pair.

16. What communication does the inferior orbital fissure (fissura orbitalis inferior) provide?

• Orbits with the anterior cranial fossa

  The inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cavity with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, transmitting the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves.

• Orbits with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae

  The inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cavity with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, transmitting the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves.

• Orbits with the middle cranial fossa

  The inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cavity with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, transmitting the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves.

• Orbits with the nasal cavity

  The inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cavity with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, transmitting the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cavity with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, transmitting the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves.

17. Which blood vessel passes together with cranial nerve pairs VII and VIII through the internal auditory canal?

• Anterior inferior cerebellar artery

  The labyrinthine artery (a branch of the basilar artery) enters the internal auditory canal along with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.

• Posterior cerebral artery

  The labyrinthine artery (a branch of the basilar artery) enters the internal auditory canal along with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.

• Labyrinthine artery

  The labyrinthine artery (a branch of the basilar artery) enters the internal auditory canal along with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.

• Middle meningeal artery

  The labyrinthine artery (a branch of the basilar artery) enters the internal auditory canal along with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The labyrinthine artery (a branch of the basilar artery) enters the internal auditory canal along with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.

18. Where does the greater palatine foramen (foramen palatinum majus) on the hard palate open?

• Into the pterygopalatine fossa through the greater palatine canal

  The greater palatine foramen serves as the exit of the greater palatine canal, which connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Into the nasal cavity

  The greater palatine foramen serves as the exit of the greater palatine canal, which connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Into the infratemporal fossa

  The greater palatine foramen serves as the exit of the greater palatine canal, which connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.

• Into the maxillary sinus

  The greater palatine foramen serves as the exit of the greater palatine canal, which connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The greater palatine foramen serves as the exit of the greater palatine canal, which connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.

19. What exits through the hiatus of the canal for the greater petrosal nerve (hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris)?

• Lesser petrosal nerve

  Through this hiatus on the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid exits the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve).

• Chorda tympani

  Through this hiatus on the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid exits the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve).

• Auriculotemporal nerve

  Through this hiatus on the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid exits the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve).

• Greater petrosal nerve

  Through this hiatus on the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid exits the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve).

• I find it difficult to answer

  Through this hiatus on the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid exits the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve).

20. Which structure is located in the foramen cecum of the frontal bone?

• Emissary vein connecting the nasal vein with the superior sagittal sinus

  The foramen cecum often contains an emissary vein that provides venous drainage from the nasal mucosa to the superior sagittal sinus.

• Olfactory bulb

  The foramen cecum often contains an emissary vein that provides venous drainage from the nasal mucosa to the superior sagittal sinus.

• Optic chiasm

  The foramen cecum often contains an emissary vein that provides venous drainage from the nasal mucosa to the superior sagittal sinus.

• Ophthalmic artery

  The foramen cecum often contains an emissary vein that provides venous drainage from the nasal mucosa to the superior sagittal sinus.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The foramen cecum often contains an emissary vein that provides venous drainage from the nasal mucosa to the superior sagittal sinus.