1- Formed by the junction of greater petroal n + deep petrosal n.
2- Enters the pterygopalatine fossa posteriorly after passing the pterygoid canal and joins the pterygopalatine ganglion on the posterior aspect.
3-it contains:
A- Special sensory afferent fibers (Taste)
B- Preganglionic parasympthatic fibers.
C- Postganglionic sympthatic fibers.
Hope that helps!
(From Wikipedia)The internal carotid artery passes superiorly from the carotid canal in the base of the skull, emerging via that part of the foramen lacerum which is not occluded by cartilage.The artery of pterygoid canal, the nerve of pterygoid canal and some venous drainage also pass through the foramen lacerum.The nerve of pterygoid canal comprises the deep petrosal nerve and the greater petrosal nerve the former carrying sympathetic fibres and the latter parasympathetic fibres of the autonomic nervous system to blood vessels, mucous membranes, salivary glands, and lacrimal glands.Furthermore, one of the terminal branches of the ascending pharyngeal artery (itself a branch of the external carotid artery) passes through the foramen lacerum. The ascending pharyngeal artery is one of three possible "meningeal branches" of this vessel.Lastly, some emissary veins pass through the foramen lacerum. These connect the extracranial pterygoid plexus with the intracranial cavernous sinus and present an unopposed route for infection.
The medial pterygoid muscle is responsible for elevating the jaw and closing the mouth. It also aids in moving the jaw from side to side during chewing.
Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery passes through this foramen to your eye ball.
Blood vessels and nerves that supply nutrients to the bone cells within the osteon (Haversian system).
The masseter inserts on the mandible, specifically on the angle and ramus. The temporalis inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. The lateral pterygoid inserts on the condyloid process of the mandible, while the medial pterygoid inserts on the angle of the mandible.
(From Wikipedia)The internal carotid artery passes superiorly from the carotid canal in the base of the skull, emerging via that part of the foramen lacerum which is not occluded by cartilage.The artery of pterygoid canal, the nerve of pterygoid canal and some venous drainage also pass through the foramen lacerum.The nerve of pterygoid canal comprises the deep petrosal nerve and the greater petrosal nerve the former carrying sympathetic fibres and the latter parasympathetic fibres of the autonomic nervous system to blood vessels, mucous membranes, salivary glands, and lacrimal glands.Furthermore, one of the terminal branches of the ascending pharyngeal artery (itself a branch of the external carotid artery) passes through the foramen lacerum. The ascending pharyngeal artery is one of three possible "meningeal branches" of this vessel.Lastly, some emissary veins pass through the foramen lacerum. These connect the extracranial pterygoid plexus with the intracranial cavernous sinus and present an unopposed route for infection.
The foramen lacerum is primarily traversed by the greater petrosal nerve, a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). While no major vessels pass through the foramen itself, the area is adjacent to the internal carotid artery, and the greater petrosal nerve exits the skull through the foramen lacerum, contributing to the formation of the nerve of the pterygoid canal.
the Chorda Tympani nerve ( a branch of the facial nerve VII) which joins the lingual nerve medial to the lateral pterygoid muscle.
Masseter Temporalis Medial pterygoid Lateral pterygoid
The medial pterygoid muscle, the left medial pterygoid will deviate the jaw to the right and vice versa.
The muscles of mastication are primarily innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, also known as cranial nerve V3. This nerve supplies the muscles responsible for chewing, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in the process of biting and grinding food.
The lateral pterygoid muscle allows us to chew.
in males the contents of the inguinal canal are: spermatic cord, illioinguinal nerve, genital branch of genitofemoral nerve. in females: the round ligament of uterus and illioinguinal nerve.
The important canal found in the temporal bones is the internal acoustic meatus. This canal transmits crucial structures, including the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), which are essential for hearing and balance. Additionally, it allows passage for blood vessels that supply the inner ear.
The cranial nerve that supplies motor action to the muscles of mastication is the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, also known as cranial nerve V3. This nerve innervates the major muscles involved in chewing, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. It plays a crucial role in the process of mastication by facilitating jaw movement.
The pterygoid muscles, which consist of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles, are essential for the movement of the jaw. The medial pterygoid primarily aids in elevating the mandible and closing the jaw, while the lateral pterygoid facilitates the opening of the jaw and lateral movements, allowing for grinding and chewing food. Together, they play a crucial role in mastication by coordinating the complex movements of the jaw.
Most nerve entrapment syndromes are caused by injury to the nerve as it travels between a canal consisting of bone or ligament.