INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Which of the following are components of the cavernous sinus?

1. 3, 4, 6, V1, V2, and internal carotid

2. 1, 2, 3, V1, V2, and external carotid

3. 5, 6, 7, V2, V3, and internal carotid

4. 1, 3, 4, V1, V3, and external carotid

The correct answer is: 3, 4, 6, V1, V2, and internal carotid

The components of the cavernous sinus are 3, 4, 6, V1, V2, and internal carotid. The other options are incorrect because they include either the external carotid (which does not pass through the cavernous sinus) or V3 (which does not pass through the cavernous sinus as a named branch). Option B is close, but it includes 1 and 2, which refer to the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins, rather than 5 and 6, which are the abducens and oculomotor nerves. Option C includes V3, as well as the trochlear nerve (which is not listed in any of the options) and the internal jugular vein (which does not pass through the cavernous sinus). Option D includes the external carotid (as in B), as well as the trigeminal nerve branches V1 and V3 (V2 is the only correct trigeminal branch in A). Therefore, A is the only option that includes all the correct components of the cavernous sinus.