Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Anatomic study of the anterior skull base via an endoscopic transnasal approach
Ming Song1, Xuyi Zong, Xinsheng Wang
1Beijing Fuxing Hospital Affiliated With Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Objectives:
With rapid advances in endoscopic neurosurgery, it has become possible to treat some lesions located in the anterior skull base through a transnasal approach. This anatomic study was undertaken to describe the area of surgical exposure of the anterior skull base afforded by transnasal approaches with an endoscope, as well as to provide references for clinical practice.
Methods:
Thirty bony skull base specimens (all Chinese) were used, and 10 injected adult cadaver heads (all Chinese) were dissected for a simulated endoscopic transnasal approach to the anterior skull base. The distance between the bilateral optic canals was measured in skull base specimens and the distance between the columella and anterior ethmoid artery or posterior ethmoid artery was measured on both sides in adult cadaver heads.
Results:
The optic canals were 15.13±1.69 mm apart. The distance between the columella and posterior ethmoid artery was 71.01±3.99 mm on the left side and 72.27±3.97 mm on the right side. The distance between the columella and anterior ethmoid artery was 64.811±3.74 mm on the left side and 64.18±3.74 mm on the right side. The endoscopic transnasal approach to the anterior skull base exposed the optic protuberance, sellar floor, crista galli, anterior ethmoid artery, and posterior ethmoid artery. In addition, bilateral olfactory bulbs, olfactory tracts, and optic nerves beneath the dura mater were also revealed.
Conclusions:
The anatomic data as well as established anatomic landmarks associated with endoscopic surgery would benefit clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...