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The superior wall of the cavernous sinus: a microanatomical study
F Umansky1, A Valarezo, J Elidan
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|December 1, 1994
Summary
The superior wall of the cavernous sinus, crucial for surgical approaches, is a complex dural structure. It features an interclinoid ligament dividing it into carotid and oculomotor trigones, with fibrous rings surrounding the internal carotid artery.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The cavernous sinus is a critical neurovascular structure at the skull base.
- Understanding its superior wall anatomy is essential for safe surgical access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meticulously describe the dural anatomy of the superior wall of the cavernous sinus.
- To elucidate the relationship between the superior wall structures and the internal carotid artery.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 30 cadaveric head specimens fixed in formalin.
- Detailed examination of the superior wall's layers, ligaments, and associated structures.
Main Results:
- The superior wall is trapezoidal, bounded by specific ligaments and dura.
- An interclinoid ligament divides the wall into carotid and oculomotor trigones.
- Two dural layers form the wall, separating to envelop the anterior clinoid process, revealing a clinoid space and fibrous rings around the internal carotid artery.
Conclusions:
- The superior cavernous sinus wall exhibits complex dural arrangements, including fibrous rings.
- This detailed anatomical knowledge is vital for planning and executing superior surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus.