"Its inferior opening, the carotid foramen, is located anterior to the jugular fossa, medially to the carotid plate and posteromedially to the temporomandibular joint. The carotid canal is initially directed superiorly, then turns 90° anteromedially to run horizontally to the petrous apex. It runs ~ 2 cm within the petrous bone and opens into the middle cranial fossa superior to the foramen lacerum."
"anterior: Eustachian tube (parallels the horizontal portion); tensor tympani muscle; Meckel's cave, containing the trigeminal ganglion"
"anterior: Eustachian tube (parallels the horizontal portion); tensor tympani muscle; Meckel's cave, containing the trigeminal ganglion"
"posterior: cochlear; middle ear; facial nerve; jugular fossa"
"posterior: cochlear; middle ear; facial nerve; jugular fossa"
"posterior: cochlear; middle ear; facial nerve; jugular fossa"