Question

Which of the following structures is seen passing through the cavernous sinus?

• A. Maxillary division of the V nerve
• B. Mandibular division of the V nerve
• C. Internal carotid artery
• D. Facial nerve

Hint:

Only one artery and the VI nerve actually run inside the sinus lumen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Contents passing through the sinus. The internal carotid artery (with its surrounding sympathetic plexus) and the abducent (VI) nerve run through the cavity of the cavernous sinus itself.

Step 2: Structures in the lateral wall. Embedded in the lateral wall of the sinus are the oculomotor (III) nerve, the trochlear (IV) nerve, the ophthalmic (V1) division, and the maxillary (V2) division of the trigeminal nerve.

Step 3: Why the other options are wrong. The mandibular (V3) division does not pass through the sinus; it leaves the skull through the foramen ovale. The facial (VII) nerve is unrelated to the sinus, running instead through the internal acoustic meatus and facial canal. The maxillary division lies in the wall, not through the cavity.

Step 4: Conclusion. The internal carotid artery passes through the cavernous sinus, so the correct answer is option (c).