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

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