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Floor of cranial cavity

Middle cranial fossa; dissection of left cavernous sinus (continued); portio minor of trigeminal nerve; abducens nerve; carotid plexus

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Image #51-2
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Floor of cranial cavity
Middle cranial fossa; dissection of left cavernous sinus (continued); portio minor of trigeminal nerve; abducens nerve; carotid plexus
The trigeminal nerve has been turned laterally to expose its motor root (18), the fibrous tissue partially closing the foramen lacerum (16), and the relations of the carotid artery and cavernous plexus of nerves (14).
  1. Circular sinus and hypophysis
  2. Internal carotid artery and optic nerve (II)
  3. Internal carotid artery within cavernous sinus
  4. Oculomotor nerve (III)
  5. Trochlear nerve (IV)
  6. Upper pointer: Branch of internal carotid artery to meninges and semilunar ganglion Lower pointer: Communication between internal carotid sympathetic plexus and ophthalmic nerve
  7. Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
  8. Cavernous sinus near junction with superior ophthalmic vein
  9. Maxillary nerve (V2)
  10. Posterior longitudinal ligament
  11. Posterior clinoid process
  12. Petroclinoid ligament
  13. Upper pointer: Abducens nerve (VI) Lower pointer: Apex of pyramid
  14. Cavernous nerve plexus
  15. Dura mater forming medial wall of trigeminal (Meckel's) cave
  16. Dura mater bridging across sphenopetrous fissure
  17. Semilunar ganglion
  18. Minor portion trigeminal nerve (V)
  19. Greater superficial petrosal nerve
  20. Major portion of trigeminal nerve (V) (reflected laterally)
  21. Lesser superficial petrosal nerve