Floor of cranial cavity

Middle cranial fossa; dissection of left cavernous sinus, superolateral view

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Image #50-7

Floor of cranial cavity

Middle cranial fossa; dissection of left cavernous sinus, superolateral view

The dura mater to the left of the midline has been cut away. Structures which pass through the cavernous sinus are partially exposed. The continuity of the venous spaces in this sinus with those in the circular and basilar sinuses is illustrated. Latex-filled veins have been cleared away from the internal carotid artery at 15.

1. Internal carotid artery right and optic nerve
2. Anterior clinoid process
3. Position of superior orbital fissure
4. Trochlear nerve (IV)
5. Ophthalmic nerve (V)
6. Cavernous sinus
7. Inner surface of an unusual venous sinus which passed posteriorly into the superior petrosal sinus (see also Section I, 42)
8. Middle cranial fossa
9. Branch of internal carotid artery to hypophysis
10. Trigeminal nerve (V) entering Meckel's cave
11. Circular sinus and infundibulum
12. Dorsum sellae
13. Oculomotor nerve (III) and posterior clinoid process
14. Basilar venous plexus
15. Internal carotid artery (cavernous part)
16. Cavernous nerve plexus
17. Area of communication of cavernous nerve plexus with oculomotor, trochlear and ophthalmic nerves
18. Dura mater enclosing trigeminal nerve
19. Greater part of trigeminal nerve (V)
20. Cut edge of tentorium cerebelli
21. Semilunar ganglion (trigeminal)