The course of the internal auditory artery and its branches. Computer-aided three-dimensional reconstructions

The course and branches of the internal auditory artery (IAA) were studied in 7 vertically-sectioned normal adult human temporal bones, and three-dimensional reconstructions of the anatomical structures were made with the aid of a computer system. Single IAAs existed in 3 or 7 temporal bones whereas double IAAs existed in 4. The IAA ran either between the facial nerve and the VIIth nerve, or on the inferior-posterior surface of the VIIIth nerve at the porus. Branching and anastomosis of the IAA were highly variable in the middle to proximal portion of the internal auditory canal (IAC). The anterior vestibular artery ran on the anterior surface of the superior vestibular nerve, and the vestibulocochlear artery ran on the inferior surface of the inferior vestibular nerve. The main cochlear artery ran at the center of the cochlear nerve near the fundus. The course of the vessels was less variable at the distal portion of the IAC than at the proximal portion.