Anatomy & Histology · single question
CASE 12 — Where does the facial nerve (CN VII) exit the skull?
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Correct answer: D. Stylomastoid foramen
- A. Jugular foramen transmits CN IX (glossopharyngeal), CN X (vagus), and CN XI (accessory).
- B. Foramen rotundum transmits CN V2 (maxillary division of trigeminal nerve).
- C. Foramen ovale transmits CN V3 (mandibular division of trigeminal nerve) and the lesser petrosal nerve.
- D. The facial nerve (CN VII) exits the skull through the STYLOMASTOID FORAMEN before dividing into its five terminal motor branches (temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, cervical). Bell's palsy affects the nerve at or near this exit.
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