The foramen ovale is a bony opening at the skull base.
Anatomy
The mandibular nerve passes through the foramen ovale. The diameter of the foramen ovale is approximately 4.6 mm in an adult1:
| Foramen ovale | Average diameter (mm) | Standard deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Left foramen ovale | 4.66 mm | 0.89 mm |
| Right foramen ovale | 4.57 mm | 0.93 mm |
Figure
Imaging
Clinical relevance
In neurosurgery, the foramen ovale is particularly relevant for balloon compression in trigeminal neuralgia, as it can be used as an access route to the Gasserian ganglion.
References