National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which cranial nerve passes through the foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone?

1. Hypoglossal nerve

2. Trigeminal mandibular

3. Facial nerve

4. Glossopharyngeal nerve

The correct answer is: Trigeminal mandibular

The trigeminal nerve, specifically its mandibular branch, is the cranial nerve that passes through the foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone. This foramen serves as an important passageway in the skull that allows the mandibular nerve to exit the cranial cavity and enter the infratemporal fossa. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and certain motor functions such as biting and chewing. Its three main branches are the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. Among these, it is the mandibular branch that specifically traverses the foramen ovale, making it crucial for the innervation of the lower jaw and parts of the face. This particular passage allows for not just sensory fibers but also motor fibers that control the muscles of mastication, highlighting the dual role of the mandibular nerve in both sensory and motor functions. In contrast, the other cranial nerves mentioned do not utilize this specific foramen. The hypoglossal nerve exits the skull through the hypoglossal canal, while the facial nerve and the glossopharyngeal nerve exit via the stylomastoid foramen and the jugular foramen, respectively. Understanding the