Hiatus for greater petrosal nerve

Last revised by Joachim Feger on 14 Jan 2024

The hiatus for the greater petrosal nerve (Torin's hole, TA: hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris) is a communication between the facial canal and middle cranial fossa, that allows passage of the namesake nerve the greater superficial petrosal nerve. It is located on the anterior surface of the petrous temporal bone and has a corresponding groove for the greater petrosal nerve on its anteromedial side. The groove is posterolateral to the carotid canal and posteromedial to the hiatus for the lesser petrosal nerve. The petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery also travels through the hiatus.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.