Identify the structures associated with the cavernous sinus.
- In the cranial cavity, identify the pituitary (hypophysis), sellar diaphragm and cavernous sinus. (G 7.30A;N 105;Gl 40.18)
- Identify the trigeminal ganglion, mandibular nerve at foramen ovale, maxillary nerve at foramen rotundum and ophthalmic nerve in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.
- Identify the
oculomotor nerve in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus adjacent to the ophthalmic nerve. Attempt to identify the trochlear nerve. Reflect the oculomotor nerve to identify the internal carotid artery
internal carotid artery in the cavernous sinus. Attempt to identify the
abducens nerve directly lateral to the internal carotid artery.
Important Relationships at the level of the cavernous sinus
- The internal carotid artery is positioned lateral to the pituitary.
- The abducens nerve passes directly lateral to the internal carotid artery.
- The oculomotor, ophthalmic, and trochlear nerves all pass lateral to the internal carotid artery.
- Identify the middle meningeal artery emerging from foramen spinosum. If you like challenges, then attempt to identify the greater and lesser petrosal nerves.
