How Do You Spell FORAMEN LACERUM MEDIUM?

1. The "foramen lacerum medium" is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical structure located in the human skull. The word "foramen" refers to a natural opening or hole in bones, while "lacerum" comes from the Latin word for "lacerated," which suggests that the structure is partially damaged or incomplete. The term "medium" indicates its position as the middle opening among a series of three major foramina collectively known as the "foramina lacerum."

   The foramen lacerum medium is situated on the base of the skull, along the medial side of the petrous part of the temporal bone. It is formed when the sphenoid bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone come together. The medial wall of the foramen lacerum medium is formed by the carotid canal, while its lateral wall is covered by a fibrocartilaginous plate. This plate contains several tiny openings, which allow the internal carotid artery and other important structures like nerves and veins to pass through.

   Despite its name, the foramen lacerum medium is not truly "lacerated" or damaged. Rather, its appearance is partly affected by the processes involved in skull development. This structure serves as a crucial pathway for the internal carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain, allowing it to enter the cranial cavity from the neck. Additionally, the nerves and veins passing through this foramen play vital roles in sensory and vascular functions of the head and face.

2. An irregular aperture between the apex of the petrous portion of the temporal bone and the body of the sphenoid, transmitting the carotid artery and its veins, the large superficial petrosal nerve, and sympathetic filaments.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FORAMEN LACERUM MEDIUM