Gross Anatomy USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 39-year-old man sustains a skull base fracture involving the foramen ovale after blunt head trauma. Vital signs show BP 128/82 mmHg, HR 88/min, RR 16/min, temp 37.2Ā°C, SpO2 98% on room air. He reports decreased sensation over the lower face and ipsilateral cheek, with difficulty chewing tough foods. Jaw opening deviates toward the injured side. CT confirms fracture through foramen ovale. Corneal reflex remains intact bilaterally. Which nerve was most likely damaged?
Answer choices
- AHypoglossal nerve
- BMandibular division of trigeminal nerveCorrect answer
- CFacial nerve
- DMaxillary division of trigeminal nerve
- EOphthalmic division of trigeminal nerve
- FGlossopharyngeal nerve
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