Through which foramen does the ophthalmic division (V1) of CN V exit the skull?

Prepare for the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT) 4 in Head and Neck. Study with multiple-choice questions, comprehensive explanations, and detailed flashcards. Maximize your chances of success with thorough preparation and insightful study resources.

Multiple Choice

Through which foramen does the ophthalmic division (V1) of CN V exit the skull?

V1, the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, is a purely sensory branch that travels from the trigeminal ganglion to the orbit. It exits the skull by passing through the superior orbital fissure, a gap in the sphenoid bone that leads from the middle cranial fossa into the orbit. Once in the orbit, V1 gives branches such as the frontal, lacrimal, and nasociliary nerves to supply sensation from the forehead, cornea, and upper eyelid. The other foramina listed are associated with other divisions or structures: the foramen rotundum carries V2 (maxillary), the foramen ovale carries V3 (mandibular), and the jugular foramen transmits IX–XI and the internal jugular vein.

V1, the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, is a purely sensory branch that travels from the trigeminal ganglion to the orbit. It exits the skull by passing through the superior orbital fissure, a gap in the sphenoid bone that leads from the middle cranial fossa into the orbit. Once in the orbit, V1 gives branches such as the frontal, lacrimal, and nasociliary nerves to supply sensation from the forehead, cornea, and upper eyelid. The other foramina listed are associated with other divisions or structures: the foramen rotundum carries V2 (maxillary), the foramen ovale carries V3 (mandibular), and the jugular foramen transmits IX–XI and the internal jugular vein.

More practice questions