Microanatomical Study of the Lower Neurovascular Complex in the Cerebellopontine Angle Region

Objective To investigate the microanatomical structure of the lower neurovascular complex. Methods Fifteen adult cadaver heads fixed in 10% formalin and perfused with latex were used for this study. Simulating the trans - suboccipital retrosigmoid approach to the CPA region, the dissection of neurovascular complex in the CPA region were performed under x4 to 25 magnification. All stages of the dissection were photographed. Results Cerebellopontine angale region the lower neurovascular complex included glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerves, accessory nerve and hypoglossal nerves, and interrelated to posteroinferior cerebellar artery, bulbus medulla, cerebellar peduncle, bulbus fissurae cerebelli and cerebello - napex. Posteroinferior cerebellar artery traced in a crook course and usually formed three loops, which got in touch with glossopharyngeal nerve with a shallow pressed mark. Conclusion The neurovascular complex in the cerebellopontine angale region is located deeply and has an elaborate structure, which is adjacent to brain stem, cerebellar artery and cranial nerve. A fully structural dissection of this region could benefit the operation and integrity of nerves for the satisfactory functional survival of patients.