Microsurgical anatomic study of the parasellar region and its related structures

Objective To study the surgical microanatomy of the parasellar region and its Related Structures. Methods The microsurgical dissections were performed on 38 cadaveric heads with the aid of an operating microscope to observe and measure the dura, nerves and vessels in the sphenopetroclival region, and to learn the relationships among the dura, nerves and vessels with histochemical technique. Results In middle cranial fossa, cranial nerves Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅵ, which were enwrapped by arachnoid and dura, entered between the dura of middle cranial fossa. The Meckel's cave, the trigeminal ganglion and its three branchs, just like a glove, were embedded between the dura of middle cranial fossa , and ICA and some venous structures traveled among them. Cavernous sinus and those structures were located in a cave made up of two floors of the middle cranial fossa dura, namely dura mater space. Conclusions We suggest a new constructive conception about this region which is the surgical anatomy based by the parasellar region approach. Key words: Parasellar region;  Dura mater space;  Microanatomy