Final answer:
The lesser petrosal nerve is found in the middle cranial fossa and exits through the foramen ovale to supply the parotid gland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lesser petrosal nerve is associated with the middle cranial fossa, which is the centrally located cranial fossa extending from the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone to the petrous ridge. This nerve carries parasympathetic fibers that originate in the tympanic plexus, travel through the middle cranial fossa, and exit the skull through the foramen ovale, ultimately supplying the parotid gland. The middle cranial fossa is distinguished by several openings for the passage of blood vessels and cranial nerves, including the optic canal and the superior orbital fissure, just inferior to which is the exit point for a major sensory nerve that supplies the cheek, nose, and upper teeth.