Arcuate eminence in Caucasian populations

The arcuate eminence (AE) was studied in 21 Caucasian cadavers (42 temporal bones), with particular reference to its relationship to the superior semicircular canal (SSC) and the temporal lobe. An arc-like eminence was observed in over 80 per cent of specimens, however, they did not exactly correspond to the SSC and such eminences corresponded to the sulci of the temporal lobe. The round and domed eminence corresponded to each SSC in seven temporal bones. The distances between the SSC and the middle cranial fossa were varied (0-2.5 mm, mean: 1.2 mm+ +/- 0.6 mm) whereas distances between the lateral semicircular canal and tympanic cavity were relatively consistent (0.6-1.4 mm, mean: 1.0 mm +/- 0.2 mm). These data indicate that the AE is trace of the temporal lobe and the SSC gave little effect to the surface of the middle cranial fossa. These findings could well be applicable to all humans.