Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
[Defect of the bony roof in the superior semicircular canal and its clinical implications]
Jaime Whyte Orozco1, Claudio Martínez, Ana Cisneros
1Departamento de Anatomía e Histología Humanas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, España. jwhyte@unizar.es
Introduction And Objective:
The aetiology of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence is currently unknown. Our objective was to analyse and discuss different hypotheses about the origin of this pathology.
Methods:
In this study performed on 295 temporal bones, one case of partial alteration of the bony roof in the right superior semicircular canal was described from the anatomical and radiological points of view, and compared with the temporal bone on the other side.
Results:
Macroscopically, the superior semicircular canal shows deterioration in the bony roof, which consists exclusively of the inner or endosteal layer that separates the canal from the superior semicircular conduct. The Pöschl plane reconstruction showed a whole bony roof, but its thickness decreased from the canal curvature to the defect (from 0.6 to 0.3mm).
Conclusion:
The presence of partial defects in the bony roof of the superior semicircular canal with absence of the external and middle layers, besides its lesser thickness, makes the canal susceptible to suffering a second event. This could produce its fracture and a dehiscence.
Related Concept Videos
Equilibrium and Balance
Anatomy of the Ear
The Vestibular System
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Cranial 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...
The Cochlea
