Abstract

Introduction: Foramen ovale is one of the important foramen found in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. The structures passing through the foramen are mandibular nerve, accessory meningeal artery, lesser petrosal nerve and emissary vein.The shape of the foramen is oval in shape. An anatomical study of the foramen was done to note the size and shape of the foramen ovale. Material and methods: The study was done 50 human dry skull of unknown sex and age. The anterior posterior diameter and transverse diameter was measured by a divider and meter scale. Result: The maximum anterior posterior diameter was found to 9.8mm on right side and 9.6mm on left side. The maximum transverse diameter was found to be 4.6mm on right side and 4.7mm on left side. The mean anterior posterior diameter on right is 7.11±1.688 and on the left was 6.53±1.333. The mean transverse diameter of the foramen on right was 3.148±0.686 and on the left was 3.2±0.678. The foramen ovale was found to be symmetric in 14% of the skulls. The shape of the foramen was found to be oval in 70%, almond in 18%, rounded in 8% and triangular in 4%. Conclusion: The variation of the foramen ovale has a great clinical and surgical significance to the neuro surgeons and physicians before exploring the middle cranial fossa. It will help in diagnosis and treatment of various vascular tumors and aneurysms.

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