FORAMINA OF THE SKULL. 309 



face, in front of the zygomatic process of the 

 maxilla ; it transmits the infra-orbital branch 

 of the maxillary division of the fifth nerve 

 from the orbit to the face. 



V. The anterior palatine foramen or foramen in- 

 cisivnm is a large slit-like aperture, extending 

 from the bony bridge of the palate almost to the 

 incisor teeth, and imperfectly separated from 

 its fellow by the palatal processes of the pre- 

 maxillee. Through it pass the naso-palatine 

 branch of the maxillary division of the fifth 

 nerve, and the naso-palatine canal. 



vi. The posterior palatine foramen is a small 

 hole in the bony palate, at the junction of its 

 maxillary and palatine portions : it transmits 

 the aaferior palatine branch of the maxillary 

 division of the fifth nerve, and the blood- 

 vessels of the palate. 



vii. The foramen lacerum medium is an irregular 

 aperture on the under surface of the skull, 

 between the ali-sphenoid and the periotic, just 

 in front of the tympanic bulla. Its anterior 

 part, which represents the separate foramen 

 ovale of other mammals, transmits the man- 

 dibular division of the fifth nerve. 



viii. The stylomastoid foramen is a small aperture 

 about the middle of the posterior border of 

 the tympanic bone, between it and the mastoid 

 process of the periotic. Through it the main 

 trunk of the seventh, or facial, nerve leaves 

 the skull. 



ix. The foramen lacerum posterius is an irregular 

 fissure on the under surface of the hinder 

 end of the skull, between the occipital condyle 

 and the tympanic bulla. It transmits the 

 glossopharyngeal, pneumogastric, and spinal 

 accessory nerves, and the internal jugular vein. 



