The maxillary nerve arises from the trigeminal ganglion in the middle cranial fossa. It passes forward in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and leaves the skull through which of the following foramen to enter the pterygopalatine fossa?

It arises from the trigeminal ganglion, runs forwards in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus below the ophthalmic nerve, and leaves the middle cranial fossa by passing through the foramen rotundum. Next, the nerve crosses the upper pa of the pterygopalatine fossa. In the pterygopalatine fossa, the nerve is intimately related to the pterygopalatine ganglion and gives off the zygomatic and posterior superior alveolar nerves. The posterior superior alveolar nerve enters the posterior surface of the body of the maxilla and supplies the three upper molar teeth and the adjoining pa of the gum.Ref: BD Chaurasia&;s HUMAN ANATOMY, Volume 3, 6th edition.