Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
04:04
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Doubled foramen rotundum and maxillary nerve fenestration
1Discipline of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 8, Bd. Eroilor Sanitari, 076241, Bucharest, Romania. anatomon@gmail.com
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|April 6, 2011
Summary
A rare anatomical variation, the doubled maxillary nerve (MN) was observed alongside a duplicated foramen rotundum (FR). This finding may impact skull base surgeries and anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Skull Base Surgery
Background:
- The foramen rotundum (FR) is a critical anatomical landmark in the skull base.
- Variations in the FR are uncommon, and details regarding its contents are scarce in existing literature.
Observation:
- This case report details an anatomical finding of a unilateral doubled foramen rotundum.
- Within this doubled FR, a duplicated maxillary nerve (MN) was identified.
Findings:
- An accessory trunk of the maxillary nerve (MN) originated separately from the trigeminal ganglion.
- This accessory trunk traveled beneath the main MN trunk within the sphenoidal greater wing.
- The two MN trunks reunited at the pterygopalatine fossa, creating a fenestrated appearance of the nerve canal.
Implications:
- This previously undocumented MN duplication can complicate surgical procedures involving the foramen rotundum.
- It may also explain atypical sensory disturbances and neurological deficits following skull base trauma or during anesthesia.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nose and Nasal Cavity
The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:26Bone Markings
Bones have various surface features that help form joints and attach to other soft tissues. Depending on the function, bone markings are categorized into articulating projections, processes for attachment, depressions, and openings.
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...