Medicine is impossible without knowledge of human anatomy, the structure of its bones and skull. In turn, the structural features of the skull are studied by analyzing its functions. The knowledge that we have the opportunity to obtain today thanks to the medical atlases created many years ago makes it possible for physicians to diagnose pathologies in the development of bones, veins and cerebral vessels. This is especially true for modern traumatologists and neurosurgeons. The knowledge gained helps in making an accurate diagnosis, performing complex operations and prescribing appropriate treatment.
The human skull is the inert base of the head, which consists of twenty-three bones. It has many channels and openings through which nerves, arteries and vessels pass. Among them, the so-called torn hole is distinguished, which is located on one of the anatomically complex bones of the skull - the sphenoid bone. It plays an important role inthe vital activity of the organism.
Historical background
This hole was first known in the eighteenth century thanks to Jacob Winslow. The name it received "Winslow's foramen magnum" due to its relation to the spinous process of the vertebra of the sphenoid bone, in particular, its large wing. Literally translated from Latin, foramen spinosum means "prickly hole", but in medicine they use the definition of "torn hole".
Location
There are many openings in the middle cranial fossa through which vessels and nerves pass. Among them, one can distinguish a torn hole, which is located in the lower part of the skull and a wedge-shaped bone. It is located in front of the spine across the foramen ovale. Through this gap pass the middle meningeal artery and vein, as well as the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve.
Pathology
The lacerated hole that passes through the sphenoid bone can vary in size. In some cases, there is no gap, so the middle meningeal artery passes through the foramen ovale into the cranial cavity. It can be observed in about half of the world's population. At the same time, in 1% of people, the hole can be duplicated, as well as the artery that passes through it. Also, a torn gap can be at the top of the spinous process or along its surface.
Development
In newborns, the ragged hole has a length of 2.2 mm and a width of 1 mm, in an adult - 2.5 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. DiameterThe opening in the slit averages about 2.6 centimeters in an adult. Ideal round education was observed in childhood, from eight months to seven years. In numerous studies of skulls, most of the holes had a round shape. In animals, in particular great apes, the ragged hole is not in the sphenoid bone, but in the temporal bone, in some cases it is completely absent. Passing through the laceration of the above arteries and nerves allows the person's back to rotate.
Medical Significance
In neurosurgical practice, access to certain formations of the cranial cavity is often necessary, so it becomes necessary to focus on standard points. This foramen is used as a landmark in neurosurgery because it is closely related to other foramina. The ragged hole allows you to see the location of the oval and round fissures, the nerve of the lower jaw, the trigeminal ganglion. This is of great importance during hemostasis surgery.
What goes through the torn hole in the skull
We already know that the middle meningeal artery (meninges), a branch of the mandibular nerve, passes through this hole. Through the membrane (fibrous cartilage) that closes this hole, pass the facial nerves, the muscle, which contributes to the tension of the eardrum, as well as the nerve that innervates it. Also, small veins pass here that connect the facial sinus with the veins of the base of the skull of the outer, carotidinternal artery, one of the branches of the pharyngeal artery, some of the emissary veins that connect the winged plexus with the cavernous sinus. They represent a possible route for infection to spread to the brain, and also allow nasopharyngeal cancer to metastasize to the cavernous sinus, affecting the cranial nerves.
Thus, the torn fissure serves as a guideline for neurosurgeons in performing surgery. We already know what goes through the ragged hole, thanks to medical atlases that were created many years ago. It is located near the top of the pyramid of the temporal bone and is closed by cartilage.
In medicine, the study of the anatomy of the human skull plays an important role. Thanks to the acquired knowledge, specialists can diagnose, treat and perform surgical interventions for various diseases and injuries. The ragged hole was first mentioned in the eighteenth century. Today, this discovery helps save the lives of many people.
