Anatomy & Histology · patient case question
Through which foramen does the facial nerve exit the skull?
Patient case: Unilateral Facial Weakness
demo: 49-year-old male
chief: “I woke up and the right side of my face was drooping.”
history: Recent upper respiratory infection. No prior neurologic events.
meds: None
findings: Drooping of the right corner of the mouth with inability to purse the lips or retain fluid. Forehead wrinkling and eye closure are preserved on the affected side. No sensory deficit. Nerve pathway illustrated below.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Stylomastoid foramen
- A. The jugular foramen transmits cranial nerves IX, X, and XI along with the internal jugular vein.
- B. Correct. The facial nerve enters the internal acoustic meatus, traverses the facial canal, and exits at the stylomastoid foramen, after which it enters the parotid gland and divides into its five terminal branches.
- C. The internal acoustic meatus is where the facial nerve enters the petrous temporal bone, not where it exits the skull.
- D. Foramen ovale transmits the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
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