The foramen lacerum fills with cartilage after birth. :776
The internal carotid artery passes from the carotid canal in the base of the skull, emerging and coursing superior to foramen lacerum as it exits the carotid canal. The internal carotid artery does not travel through foramen lacerum. The segment of the internal carotid artery that travels above foramen lacerum is called the lacerum segment. The artery of pterygoid canal, the nerve of pterygoid canal and some venous drainage pass through the foramen lacerum.