Which division exits the skull via the foramen rotundum?

Which division exits the skull via the foramen rotundum?

• A. Ophthalmic (V1)
• B. Maxillary (V2)
• C. Mandibular (V3)
• D. None

Answer: (B)

The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve exits the skull through the foramen rotundum. This opening serves as the passage from the middle cranial fossa to the pterygopalatine fossa for V2, which provides sensory innervation to the midface, upper teeth, and palate. The other divisions take different routes: the ophthalmic division exits via the superior orbital fissure, and the mandibular division exits via the foramen ovale. Knowing this helps in planning maxillary anesthesia, since targeting V2 branches in areas like the infraorbital region aligns with its anatomical exit.

The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve exits the skull through the foramen rotundum. This opening serves as the passage from the middle cranial fossa to the pterygopalatine fossa for V2, which provides sensory innervation to the midface, upper teeth, and palate. The other divisions take different routes: the ophthalmic division exits via the superior orbital fissure, and the mandibular division exits via the foramen ovale. Knowing this helps in planning maxillary anesthesia, since targeting V2 branches in areas like the infraorbital region aligns with its anatomical exit.