Right transpterygoid approach. The pterygoid root was removed to expose the vidian nerve, the tensor veli palatini muscle, and the medial pterygoid muscle. The eustachian tube was kept intact. Further dissecting lateral to the vidian nerve can expose the foramen Vesalii, mandibular strut, and foramen ovale. The foramen lacerum process of the sphenoid bone was located medial to the vidian nerve and removed to expose the cartilage in the foramen lacerum. (Image courtesy of JC Fernandez-Miranda)