What additional structure is associated with foramen ovale?

The foramen ovale is an important anatomical feature of the skull that serves as a passageway for specific nerves and vessels. The structure most closely associated with the foramen ovale is the mandibular nerve (V3), which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). The mandibular nerve is responsible for sensory innervation to the lower face, as well as motor function to the muscles of mastication.

However, the lesser petrosal nerve, which is associated with the otic ganglion, also has a connection to the foramen ovale. The lesser petrosal nerve carries parasympathetic fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) to the otic ganglion, where they synapse before hitching a ride on the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of V3) to innervate the parotid gland.

The association of the lesser petrosal nerve with the foramen ovale stems from its pathway in relation to the structures within the skull. After synapsing in the otic ganglion, the fibers travel towards the parotid gland, thus establishing an indirect association with the foramen ovale due to their common neural pathways.

In summary,