=====Carotid canal===== {{ https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/257/flashcards/769257/jpg/inferior_skull1318363030385.jpg?600}} Is the passage way in the [[temporal bone]] through which the [[internal carotid artery]] enters the [[middle cranial fossa]] from the neck. The canal starts on the inferior surface of the [[temporal bone]] at the external opening of the carotid canal (also referred to as the carotid foramen). The canal ascends at first vertically, and then, making a bend, runs horizontally forward and medialward. The canal's internal opening is near the [[foramen lacerum]] above which the internal carotid artery passes on its way to the [[cavernous sinus]].