Image Based Question – 66736

Identify the vessel marked by an arrow in this image of head.

A. Maxillary Artery

B. External Carotid Artery

C. Internal Carotid Artery

D. Common Carotid Artery

Show Answer

Correct Answer » C Explanation

Ans:C. Internal Carotid Artery.

In the image, internal carotid artery is seen within the Cavernous Sinus.

Cavernous Sinus

• The cavernous sinus within the human head, is a true dural venous sinus creating a cavity called the lateral sellar compartment bordered by the temporal bone of the skull and the sphenoid bone, lateral to the sella turcica.

• It is the only anatomic location in the body in which an artery travels completely through a venous structure.

Relations:

• Superiorly: optic tract, optic chiasma, internal carotid artery.

• Inferiorly: greater wing of sphenoid bone.

• Medially: sella turcica and sphenoidal air sinus.

• Laterally: temporal lobe with uncus.

• Anteriorly: superior orbital fissure.

• Posteriorly: apex of petrous temporal bone.

• The pituitary gland lies between the two paired cavernous sinuses

Structures within the lateral wall of the lateral sellar compartment:

• Oculomotor nerve

• Ophthalmic nerve

• Trochlear nerve

• Maxillary nerve

• Trigeminal ganglion

Structures passing through the medial portion of the lateral sellar compartment:

• Abducent nerve

• Internal carotid artery accompanied by the Internal carotid plexus

Tributaries:

• Superior ophthalmic vein

• Inferior ophthalmic vein

• Superficial middle cerebral vein

• Inferior cerebral vein

• Sphenoparietal sinus