It enters the middle cranial fossa through the greater (superficial) petrosal foramen (on the anterior surface of the petrous temporal bone).
At the tip of the petrous temporal bone it makes a sharp turn forward to enter the cavernous sinus.
The inferior ganglion on the inferior surface of petrous part of temporal is related with a triangular depression into which the aqueduct of cochlea opens.
It is separated from the posterior fossa by the clivus and the petrous crest.
For example, fractures of the petrous temporal bone can selectively damage the nerve, as can aneurysms of the intracavernous carotid artery.
It is directed superiorly, as per its nomenclature, and posteriorly, nearly parallel to the posterior surface of the petrous bone.
Surgeons use this method to reach the cavernous sinus, lateral sphenoid sinus, infra temporal fossa, pterygoid fossa, and the petrous apex.
The lateral approach is then used to reach the medial cavernous sinus and petrous apex.
