Rocky Hole

The petrosal foramen, also known as the petrosal fissure, is an anatomical structure in the skull that connects the middle ear cavity to the cranial cavity. It is located in the area of ​​the lower part of the occipital bone and is located between the petrous pyramid and the occipital bone.

The petrosal foramen is shaped like a slit and is located on the back wall of the skull, which is called the petrosal wall. It is about 10 mm long and about 3 mm wide. The hole is formed by the connection of two bones - the petrous pyramid and the occipital bone.

An important function of the petrosal foramen is to provide a connection between the middle ear cavity and the cranial cavity, allowing air to pass from the middle ear to the skull and back. In addition, it serves as a place for the passage of blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrition and innervation to the structures of the middle ear.

However, the stony hole can cause various diseases and disorders. For example, infectious diseases such as meningitis can lead to inflammation and swelling of the petrosal opening, which can cause difficulty breathing and other complications. Also, trauma and tumors, including brain tumors, can affect the petrosal foramen and cause it to become narrowed or completely blocked.

In general, the petrosal foramen is an important anatomical structure that provides communication between the cavities of the middle ear and the skull. However, its improper functioning can lead to serious diseases and disorders. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the petrosal opening and, if necessary, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

The petrosal or Arnold's foramen is a small opening that connects the upper part of the middle medullary bone of the skull with the cavity of the petrous temporal bone. It is located at the junction of the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone.

The opening is surrounded by a circular muscle called the external occipital artery. It prevents foreign objects from entering the hole and protects against damage.

The name of the hole comes from its shape, which resembles a stone. The shape of the hole itself was discovered by the German neurologist Johann Friedrich Arnold in 1893. He noticed that in newborns this hole was practically closed, and as the head grew, it expanded. The discovery helped explain how deaf-muteness and mental disorders occur among children born with certain anatomical defects in the front part of the brain.

The stony foramen can occur in both humans and animals of various species. In humans, this hole can be seen using skull x-rays, but other diagnostic methods such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can also be used.

In healthy adults, the petrosal foramen is usually densely filled with bone tissue and is not a place for pathologies to occur. However, in some cases it can cause the development of various diseases. For example, infection in the area can lead to meningitis.

It is rare, but it still happens that the petrosal foramen is crossed by an artery, then this can lead to its rupture and hemorrhage. Both pathologies can lead to serious complications such as meningitis and death. That is why it is important to conduct thorough diagnosis and treatment in patients with these pathologies.

In addition, the petrosal foramen may be useful in brain surgery during neurosurgery. This method creates a high need for access to the pyramid of the temporal bone, where various brain structures are located. As a result of the petrosal opening, the surgeon gains access to the affected area while performing the necessary procedures.

In conclusion, the petrosal foramen plays an important role in human anatomy and physiology. Although this area of ​​the skull may not be visible to the average person, disruption to its functioning can have serious consequences, including pain, discomfort and even risk to life. Carrying out simple diagnostics allows you to detect possible problems and begin timely treatment.