Publication: Anatomic c haracteristics of foramen vesalius
Date
2005
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Objectives: Foramen Vesalius is an inconstant foramen that gives passage to an emissary vein that connects
pterygoid venous plexus with cavernous sinus, the importance of which lies in the fact that an infected thrombus
from an extracranial source may reach cavernous sinus. This study presents some data on characteristics of foramen
vesalius. Methods: We studied 70 sides of 35 dried adult human skulls available in the Department of Anatomy,
Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. Variation in number and incidence of foramen Vesalius
were noted. Differences between the right and the left side and between the male and the female sex are discussed.
Main Findings: Foramen Vesalius was present in 23 sides (14 right, 9 left) out of the 70 sides observed, the
incidence being 32.85% (20.0% right side, 12.85% left side) of all the sides observed. Incidence of bilateral and
unilateral foramen vesalius was 22.85% (8 out of 35 skulls) and 20% (7 out of 35 skulls) respectively. Foramen
vesalius was found in 10 sides in males and in 13 sides in females. No remarkable differences were observed in the
incidence of foramen vesalius between the sides within same sex but the incidence was more in females compared
to male skulls. Significance of findings: Anatomic variations of the foramen vesalius could be explained by
developmental reasons. Knowledge about characteristics of foramen vesalius and its incidence is not only important
for anatomists but equally essential for an operating surgeon.
Key words: foramen vesalius, skull, anatomical variation.