Where is the foramen spinosum located?
The foramen spinosum is located on the greater wings of the sphenoid bone (Alae majores). It can be seen on the cerebral surface (Facies cerebralis), facing the middle cranial fossa (Fossa cranii media), and in the region of the external cranial base (Basis cranii externa).
- On the cerebral surface, the foramen spinosum is situated lateral and posterior to the foramen ovale (Foramen ovale). The foramen petrosum (Foramen petrosum) may sometimes be found between them.
- On the external base of the skull, the opening is visible in the area of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Nearby, on the infratemporal surface at the posterior margin of the wing, lies the spine of the sphenoid bone (Spina ossis sphenoidalis).
What passes through the foramen spinosum?
The following structures pass through the foramen spinosum:
- Middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) is the largest of the arteries supplying the dura mater. It is a branch of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) from its first (mandibular) part. The artery ascends, enters the cranial cavity through the foramen spinosum, and divides into the frontal (r. frontalis) and parietal (r. parietalis) branches.
- Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve (r. meningeus spinosus) is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It branches off from the mandibular nerve inferior to the foramen ovale and then enters the cranial cavity through the foramen spinosum alongside the middle meningeal artery.
- Vein.
Role in blood supply and innervation
The middle meningeal artery passing through the foramen spinosum is the main source of blood supply to the dura mater. It has a large caliber because it nourishes not only the meninges themselves but also the cranial bones. Its blood supply area includes the entire lateral, convex surface of the cranial vault. It gives off branches to the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity (a. tympanica superior), to the canal for the greater petrosal nerve (r. petrosus), to the orbit (r. orbitalis), and an anastomotic branch with the lacrimal artery (r. anastomoticus cum a. lacrimali).
The meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve participates in the innervation of the dura mater.
Topography and adjacent structures
The foramen spinosum is one of the pathways connecting the middle cranial fossa with the external base of the skull. In addition to it, the fossa communicates with the external base via the foramen ovale (Foramen ovale), carotid canal (Canalis caroticus), and foramen lacerum (Foramen lacerum).
The external base of the skull laterally continues freely into the infratemporal fossa (Fossa infratemporalis). The middle meningeal artery branches off from the maxillary artery in the region between the neck of the mandibular condyle and the sphenomandibular ligament, and heads toward the foramen spinosum.
Class and exam questions
Which artery passes through the foramen spinosum?
It transmits the middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media), which is the largest dural artery. It supplies the dura mater and the cranial bones.
How is the foramen spinosum situated relative to the foramen ovale?
On the cerebral surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, the foramen spinosum is located lateral and posterior to the foramen ovale (Foramen ovale).
Which nerve re-enters the skull through this opening?
Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve (r. meningeus spinosus). It branches off below the foramen ovale and enters the cranial cavity through the foramen spinosum.
What else to study on this topic
- Middle cranial fossa (Fossa cranii media)
- Greater wings of the sphenoid bone (Alae majores)
- Maxillary artery (a. maxillaris)
- Foramen ovale (Foramen ovale)
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