Dorlands/Elsevier f_12/12373728 FMA 55816 | TA A02.1.06.048 | |
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Latin foramen stylomastoideum | ||
Between the styloid and mastoid processes of the temporal bone is the stylomastoid foramen
It is the termination of the facial canal, and transmits the facial nerve and stylomastoid artery.
Clinical relevance
Bell's palsy can result from inflammation of the facial nerve where it leaves the skull at the stylomastoid foramen. Patients with Bell's palsy appear with facial drooping on the affected side.
References
Stylomastoid foramen Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA