On the interior surface of the
temporal bone, behind the rough surface of the apex, is the large circular aperture of the 'carotid canal', which ascends at first vertically, and then, making a bend, runs horizontally forward and medialward; it transmits into the
cranium the
internal carotid artery, and the
carotid plexus of nerves.
Sympathetics to the head also pass through the carotid canal. They have several motor functions: raise the
eyelid (
superior tarsal muscle), dilate
pupil, innervate
sweat glands of face and
scalp and constricts
blood vessels in head.
Additional images
External links
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Photo at Winona.edu