Trigeminal Nerve Anatomy — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Foramen rotundum
The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2) leaves the middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum and enters the pterygopalatine fossa. The foramen ovale transmits the mandibular division (V3), whereas the superior orbital fissure transmits the ophthalmic division (V1). The foramen spinosum principally transmits the middle meningeal vessels and the meningeal branch of V3. The inferior orbital fissure communicates between the pterygopalatine fossa and orbit and conveys branches derived from V2, including the infraorbital and zygomatic nerves, but it does not transmit the maxillary division as it exits the cranial cavity. Therefore, A is the single best answer.
Reference: Agosti E, et al. Anatomical Step-by-Step Dissection of Complex Skull Base Approaches for Trainees, anatomical overview of the maxillary nerve and foramen rotundum. Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38274480/