The fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) provides sensory information from the face. The three branches of the trigeminal nerve pass from the periphery of the face to the brain through three separate foramina. Which cranial bone contains the foramina for passage of branches of the trigeminal (V) nerve?
A) ethmoid
B) temporal
C) sphenoid
D) occipital

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sphenoid bone contains the foramina for the passage of two of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve: the foramen rotundum for the maxillary nerve (V2) and the foramen ovale for the mandibular nerve (V3). The ophthalmic nerve (V1), another branch, passes through the superior orbital fissure, which is also partly formed by the sphenoid bone.

The Fifth Cranial Nerve (Trigeminal Nerve) Provides Sensory Information from the Face