foramen rotundum
The foramen rotundum is a small, oval-shaped opening located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone in the skull. It serves as a passageway for the maxillary nerve, which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for sensation in the middle part of the face, including the cheeks, upper lip, and upper teeth.
In addition to the maxillary nerve, the foramen rotundum also allows for the passage of blood vessels. Its position is crucial for the proper functioning of the facial sensory system. Understanding the anatomy of the foramen rotundum is important in fields such as neurosurgery and dentistry.