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Accessory spine of the foramen ovale
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to provide a morphometrical analysis of the accessory spine which exists within the lumen of the foramen ovale, and to find out if that structure could mechanically irritate the mandibular nerve. A bifid spine was perceived in the macerated skull of an adult individual. It was located in the anterior part of the left foramen ovale. The overall length of the spine was measured as 1.8 mm. The spine has the homogenous structure, and show high level of mineralization. We conclude that the accessory spine did not compress the mandibular nerve, and the foramen ovale provided enough space for the nerve passage. Probably, these structures remained in anatomical accordance without causing any neurological symptoms.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to provide a morphometrical analysis of the accessory spine which exists within the lumen of the foramen ovale, and to find out if that structure could mechanically irritate the mandibular nerve. A bifid spine was perceived in the macerated skull of an adult individual. It was located in the anterior part of the left foramen ovale. The overall length of the spine was measured as 1.8 mm. The spine has the homogenous structure, and show high level of mineralization. We conclude that the accessory spine did not compress the mandibular nerve, and the foramen ovale provided enough space for the nerve passage. Probably, these structures remained in anatomical accordance without causing any neurological symptoms.
Keywords
sphenoid bone; foramen ovale; mandibular nerve


Title
Accessory spine of the foramen ovale
Journal
Issue
Article type
Case report
Pages
263-266
Published online
2012-11-30
Page views
513
Article views/downloads
1020
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2012;71(4):263-266.
Keywords
sphenoid bone
foramen ovale
mandibular nerve
Authors
J. Skrzat
J. Walocha
J. Zawiliński