LAUSR

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Ashwini. N.S, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar-563101, Karnataka, India. Phone no.: 8123261376 E-Mail: [email protected] Introduction: Foramen ovale is an important foramen in the middle cranial fossa. Foramen ovale is situated in the greater wing of sphenoid bone, posterior to the foramen rotandum. Through the foramen ovale the mandibular nerve, accessory meningeal artery, lesser petrosal nerve, emissary veins pass .The shape of the foramen ovale is usually oval compared to other foramen of the skull. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 55 dry human skulls(110 sides) in Department of Anatomy, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical college, Tamaka, Kolar. Skulls in poor condition or skulls with partially damaged surroundings around the foramen ovale were excluded from the study. Linear measurements were taken on right and left sides of foramen ovale using divider and meter rule. Results: The maximum length of foramen ovale was 14 mm on the right side and 17 mm on the left, its maximum breadth on the right side was 8mm and 10mm on the left . Through the statistical analysis of morphometric measurements between right and left foramen ovale which was found to be insignificant , the results of both sides marks as the evidence of asymmetry in the morphometry of the foramen ovale. Conclusions: Regional variations in morphometric and morphological analysis of foramen ovale are useful in neurosurgical procedures like administration of anaesthesia involving the mandibular nerve, treatment of trigeminal neuraglia and in cases dealing with tumours of the cavernous sinus.