24 Microsurgical Anatomy of the Middle Fossa and Petrous Apex

Enrique Lopez Berumen, Humberto Reyna Méndez, José Alfredo Espinosa Mora, Alberto Manuel Ángeles Castellanos, Laura Matilde Ubaldo Reyes, and Diego Méndez Rosito

Abstract

The middle cranial fossa represents an anatomical challenge for neurosurgeon because of its neurovascular relationships such as the cavernous sinus.

Throughout history, there has been countless publications and studies with changes in the term or description of this region; nonetheless, the understanding of the neuroanatomy and the adjacent structures of the middle fossa and parasellar region has been critical for the evolution of neurosurgical approaches.

We describe some of the landmarks and key aspects of the middle fossa, its correlation with surgical approaches, and the importance of pathologies of this area.

Schlüsselwörter

middle cranial fossa - parasellar region - petrous apex - microsurgical anatomy

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