Stylomastoid Foramen — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Facial nerve (VII)
Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · D = shown as C · A = shown as D · B = shown as E
A is correct. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) traverses the facial canal within the temporal bone and exits the skull through the stylomastoid foramen. After emerging, it gives off the posterior auricular nerve and branches to stylohyoid and the posterior belly of digastric before entering the parotid gland and forming its terminal branches. The glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves pass through the jugular foramen. The hypoglossal nerve exits through the hypoglossal canal. Therefore, none of options B–E is transmitted through the stylomastoid foramen.
Reference: Cardona JJ et al. Penetration of the facial nerve by the posterior auricular artery: case report, comprehensive review and clinical-surgical applications. Anatomical Science International. 2023;98(4):604–610. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36879134/