Carotid canal 4527736 199385111 2008-03-19T17:31:00Z Arcadian 104523 outline {{Infobox Bone | Name = Carotid canal | Latin = canalis caroticus | GraySubject = 34 | GrayPage = 143 | Image = Gray141.png | Caption = Left [[temporal bone]]. Inferior surface. ("Opening of carotid canal" labeled at center left.) | Image2 = | Caption2 = | System = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = c_04 | DorlandsSuf = 12208545 | }} 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. ==Contents== 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== <gallery> Image:Gray191.png|Horizontal section of nasal and orbital cavities. Image:Gray913.png|Coronal section of right temporal bone. </gallery> ==External links== * {{UMichAtlas|n3a8p1}} * {{RocheLexicon|34257.000-1}} * [http://bio.winona.edu/dapkus/211/Skeletal/images/Skull/inffor2.jpg Photo at Winona.edu] {{Gray's}} {{Skull}} {{Foramina of skull}} {{musculoskeletal-stub}} [[de:Canalis caroticus]] [[hu:Canalis caroticus]]