Posterior geniculate artery: a surgeon's guide to the facial nerve

Locating the facial nerve is an essential step in most mastoid procedures. A constantly occurring, easily identifiable, arterial bleeding point has been identified arising on the posterosuperior-lateral eminence of the posterior genu of the nerve, passing posterosuperiorly. The vessel permits exact sitting of the genu before the nerve is seen, and provides a timely warning of the nerve's presence.