Cavernous part of internal carotid artery

The Cavernous Portion of internal carotid artery.—In this part of its course, the artery is situated between the layers of the dura mater forming the cavernous sinus, but covered by the lining membrane of the sinus.

It at first ascends toward the posterior clinoid process, then passes forward by the side of the body of the sphenoid bone, and again curves upward on the medial side of the anterior clinoid process, and perforates the dura mater forming the roof of the sinus.

This portion of the artery is surrounded by filaments of the sympathetic nerve, and on its lateral side is the abducent nerve.