Question #639
The foramen lacerum
The foramen lacerum is located at the junction of the sphenoid and temporal bones just medial to the foramen ovale. In life the lower portion is filled with cartilage and it is often said that nothing passes through the foramen. However, the opening of the pterygoid canal lies anterior to the foramen lacerum and as such the nerve, artery and vein of the pterygoid canal all pass through the foramen on their way to the pterygoid canal. In addition, on emerging from the carotid canal, the internal carotid artery passes over the cartilaginous component before entering the middle cranial fossa.