A morphometric study of foramen ovale

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Original Article

Author Details : Sarbani Das*, Swapan Bhattacharjee, Sharmila Pal

Volume : 6, Issue : 3, Year : 2019

Article Page : 359-362

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijcap.2019.078

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Abstract

Introduction: Foramen ovale & Foramen spinosum are important foramina present at the junction of body
& greater wing of sphenoid connecting the middle cranial fossa with the infratemporal fossa transmitting
many important structures. Variations are commonly seen in dimensions of foramen ovale, which is
commonly used in different diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Objectives: Objective of this study was to measure the length & width of the foramen ovale, observe the
variations of foramen ovale & foramen spinosum.
Materials and Methods: A morphometric study was conducted on foramen ovale and spinosum in the
dept of Anatomy, Medical College Kolkata. 36 human skulls and 2 sphenoids were subjected to me
asurement using digital caliper, length & width of fo ramen ovale were measured and the variations of
foramen spinosum were noted. The findings so obtained were compared to similar studies done in past by
different authors.
Results: The mean length of foramen ovale on right & left side was 7.17 1.31mm and 7.26 1.91mm
and mean width of foramen ovale on right & left side was 3.49 0.54 mm and 3.73 0.83 mm. Foramen
ovale was commonly oval in shape in 53.94% cases followed by round and almond in shape in 21.05%
each, least common type was D-shaped in 3.94% cases. In 1 among 78 cases there was unilateral foramen
spinosum.
Conclusion: Knowledge regarding variations of foramen ovale & foramen spinosum will help the
clinicians as the foramen ovale is commonly used in different neurosurgical procedures and will also help
the anatomists on the developmental background.

Keywords: Morphometry, Foramen Ovale, Spicule, Foramen spinosum.

How to cite : Das S, Bhattacharjee S, Pal S, A morphometric study of foramen ovale. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2019;6(3):359-362

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