Incidence of Foramen Vesalius in Adult Human North Indian Crania

Abstract

Foramen Vesalius is a small, variable and an inconstant foramen located in the greater wing of sphenoid, anteromedial to the foramen ovale, in the middle cranial fossa. This foramen is also known as emissary sphenoidal foramen as it transmits a small emissary vein which drains Cavernous sinus. The importance of this foramen lies in the fact that an infected thrombus from an extracranial source may reach cavernous sinus. The present study was undertaken to observe the incidence of foramen Vesalius in the adult human crania in north India. For this purpose, 200 macerated skulls of unknown age and sex were observed. These skulls were obtained from the departments of Anatomy in TeerthankarMahaveer Medical College & Research Center (Moradabad), King George Medical College (Lucknow), Shri Ram MurtiSmarak Institute Of Medical Science (Bareilly) and Govt. Medical College Kannauj. The foramen Vesalius was found to be present in 68 skulls (ie 34%); out of which it was bilaterally in 28 skulls (14%) and unilaterally in 40 skulls (20%)- in 16 skulls on right side and in 24 skulls on left side. The knowledge of foramen Vesalius is important for neurosurgeons and anatomists and anthropologists.