Anatomic Landmarks of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve: A Microsurgical Anatomic Study

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 1400-1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Faik Özveren ◽  
Uğur Türe ◽  
M. Memet Özek ◽  
M. Necmettin Pamir
Keyword(s):  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Nerve ◽  
Lateral Recess ◽  
Cochlear Aqueduct

Abstract OBJECTIVE Compared with other lower cranial nerves, the glossopharyngeal nerve (GPhN) is well hidden within the jugular foramen, at the infratemporal fossa, and in the deep layers of the neck. This study aims to disclose the course of the GPhN and point out landmarks to aid in its exposure. METHODS The GPhN was studied in 10 cadaveric heads (20 sides) injected with colored latex for microsurgical dissection. The specimens were dissected under the surgical microscope. RESULTS The GPhN can be divided into three portions: cisternal, jugular foramen, and extracranial. The rootlets of the GPhN emerge from the postolivary sulcus and course ventral to the flocculus and choroid plexus of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle. The nerve then enters the jugular foramen through the uppermost porus (pars nervosa) and is separated from the vagus and accessory nerves by a fibrous crest. The cochlear aqueduct opens to the roof of this porus. On four sides in the cadaver specimens (20%), the GPhN traversed a separate bony canal within the jugular foramen; no separate canal was found in the other cadavers. In all specimens, the Jacobson's (tympanic) nerve emerged from the inferior ganglion of the GPhN, and the Arnold's (auricular branch of the vagus) nerve also consisted of branches from the GPhN. The GPhN exits from the jugular foramen posteromedial to the styloid process and the styloid muscles. The last four cranial nerves and the internal jugular vein pass through a narrow space between the transverse process of the atlas (C1) and the styloid process. The styloid muscles are a pyramid shape, the tip of which is formed by the attachment of the styloid muscles to the styloid process. The GPhN crosses to the anterior side of the stylopharyngeus muscle at the junction of the stylopharyngeus, middle constrictor, and hyoglossal muscles, which are at the base of the pyramid. The middle constrictor muscle forms a wall between the GPhN and the hypoglossal nerve in this region. Then, the GPhN gives off a lingual branch and deepens to innervate the pharyngeal mucosa. CONCLUSION Two landmarks help to identify the GPhN in the subarachnoid space: the choroid plexus of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and the dural entrance porus of the jugular foramen. The opening of the cochlear aqueduct, the mastoid canaliculus, and the inferior tympanic canaliculus are three landmarks of the GPhN within the jugular foramen. Finally, the base of the styloid process, the base of the styloid pyramid, and the transverse process of the atlas serve as three landmarks of the GPhN at the extracranial region in the infratemporal fossa.

Usefulness of the C1 transverse process as a reference guide in the dissection of the upper lateral neck

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzung-Shiahn Sheen ◽  
K. Lawrence Yen ◽  
Jenq-Yuh Ko ◽  
Mow-Ming Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
Lateral Neck ◽  
Reference Guide ◽  
Carotid Canal ◽  
Cervical Approach

In this investigation we dissected 3 cadavers with the lateral cervical approach to assess the usefulness of the transverse process of the atlas (TPA) as a reference guide in the upper lateral neck. Our results indicate that all the important structures in this space can be identified systematically. Lateral to the TPA sits the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, the stylohyoid muscle, and the occipital artery. Anterior to the TPA, the styloid process can be exposed. The internal jugular vein and cranial nerves X, XI, and XII sit between the styloid process and the TPA. Superior to the TPA, tracing the carotid sheath upward, the carotid canal and jugular foramen can be reached. Anteroinferior to the jugular foramen, the hypoglos-sal nerve emerges from the cranial cavity through the hypoglossal canal. Posterior to the TPA, the sub-occipital triangle can be recognized. Within the triangle, the vertebral artery and its accompanying venous complex can be identified.

scholarly journals The microsurgical anatomy of the glossopharyngeal nerve with respect to the jugular foramen lesions

2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Faik Özveren ◽  
Uđur Türe
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Nerve ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Related Area ◽  
Deep Layers ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves

Removal of lesions involving the jugular foramen region requires detailed knowledge of the anatomy and anatomical landmarks of the related area, especially the lower cranial nerves. The glossopharyngeal nerve courses along the uppermost part of the jugular foramen and is well hidden in the deep layers of the neck, making this nerve is the most difficult one to identify during surgery. It may be involved in various pathological entities along its course. The glossopharyngeal nerve can also be compromised iatrogenically during the surgical treatment of such lesions. The authors define landmarks that can help identify this nerve during surgery and discuss the types of lesions that may involve each portion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Microsurgical and Endoscopic Anatomy of the Extended Retrosigmoid Inframeatal Infratemporal Approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Colasanti ◽  
Al-Rahim A Tailor ◽  
Mehrnoush Gorjian ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Mario Ammirati
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Sigmoid Sinus ◽  
Mean Width ◽  
Infratemporal Approach ◽  
Cervical Internal Carotid Artery

AbstractBACKGROUNDDifferent and often complex routes are available to deal with jugular foramen tumors with extracranial extension.OBJECTIVETo describe a novel extension of the retrosigmoid approach useful to expose the extracranial area abutting the posterior fossa skull base.METHODSA navigation-guided, endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid inframeatal approach was performed on 6 cadaveric heads in the semisitting position, displaying an area from the internal acoustic meatus to the lower cranial nerves and exposing the intrapetrous internal carotid artery. We then continued removing the temporal bone located between the sigmoid sinus and the hearing apparatus, reaching the infratemporal area just lateral to the jugular fossa. This drilling, which we refer to as posterolateral inframeatal drilling, has not previously been described. Drilling of the horizontal segment of the occipital squama allowed good visualization of the uppermost cervical internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and lower extracranial cranial nerves.RESULTSWe were able to provide excellent exposure of the inframeatal area and of the posterior infratemporal fossa from different operative angles, preserving the neurovascular structures and the labyrinth in all specimens. The intradural operative window on the extracranial compartment was limited by the venous sinuses and the hearing apparatus and presented a mean width of 8.52 mm. Sigmoid sinus transection led to better visualization of the lateral half of the jugular foramen and of the uppermost cervical internal carotid artery.CONCLUSIONThe navigation-guided endoscope-assisted extended retrosigmoid inframeatal infratemporal approach provides an efficient and versatile route for resection of jugular foramen tumors with extracranial extension.

The Asterion-to-Transverse Process of the Atlas Line as a Surgical Landmark

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaafar Basma ◽  
Dom E. Mahoney ◽  
Christos Anagnostopoulos ◽  
L. Madison Michael ◽  
Jeffrey M. Sorenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Sigmoid Sinus ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Anatomical Location

Abstract Introduction Proposed landmarks to predict the anatomical location and trajectory of the sigmoid sinus have varying degrees of reliability. Even with neuronavigation technology, landmarks are crucial in planning and performing complex approaches to the posterolateral skull base. By combining two major dependable structures—the asterion (A) and transverse process of the atlas (TPC1)—we investigate the A-TPC1 line in relation to the sigmoid sinus and in partitioning surgical approaches to the region. Methods We dissected six cadaveric heads (12 sides) to expose the posterolateral skull base, including the mastoid and suboccipital bone, TPC1 and suboccipital triangle, distal jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and lower cranial nerves in the distal cervical region. We inspected the A-TPC1 line before and after drilling the mastoid and occipital bones and studied the relationship of the sigmoid sinus trajectory and major muscular elements related to the line. We retrospectively reviewed 31 head and neck computed tomography (CT) angiograms (62 total sides), excluding posterior fossa or cervical pathologies. Bone and vessels were reconstructed using three-dimensional segmentation software. We measured the distance between the A-TPC1 line and sigmoid sinus at different levels: posterior digastric point (DP), and maximal distances above and below the digastric notch. Results A-TPC1 length averaged 65 mm and was posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all cadaver specimens, coming closest at the level of the DP. Using the transverse-asterion line as a rostrocaudal division and skull base as a horizontal plane, we divided the major surgical approaches into four quadrants: distal cervical/extreme lateral and jugular foramen (anteroinferior), presigmoid/petrosal (anterosuperior), retrosigmoid/suboccipital (posterosuperior), and far lateral/foramen magnum regions (posteroinferior). Radiographically, the A-TPC1 line was also posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all sides and came closest to the sinus at the level of DP (mean, 7 mm posterior; range, 0–18.7 mm). The maximal distance above the DP had a mean of 10.1 mm (range, 3.6–19.5 mm) and below the DP 5.2 mm (range, 0–20.7 mm). Conclusion The A-TPC1 line is a helpful landmark reliably found posterior to the sigmoid sinus in cadaveric specimens and radiographic CT scans. It can corroborate the accuracy of neuronavigation, assist in minimizing the risk of sigmoid sinus injury, and is a useful tool in planning surgical approaches to the posterolateral skull base, both preoperatively and intraoperatively.

Microsurgical Resection of Glomus Jugulare Tumors With Facial Nerve Reconstruction: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. E1-E1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duarte N C Cândido ◽  
Jean Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽  
Luis A B Borba
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Nerve Reconstruction ◽  
Glomus Jugulare ◽  
Carotid Canal

Abstract Paragangliomas are tumors originating from the paraganglionic system (autonomic nervous system), mostly found at the region around the jugular bulb, for which reason they are also termed glomus jugulare tumors (GJT). Although these lesions appear to be histologically benign, clinically they present with great morbidity, especially due to invasion of nearby structures such as the lower cranial nerves. These are challenging tumors, as they need complex approaches and great knowledge of the skull base. We present the case of a 31-year-old woman, operated by the senior author, with a 1-year history of tinnitus, vertigo, and progressive hearing loss, that evolved with facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann IV) 2 months before surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans demonstrated a typical lesion with intense flow voids at the jugular foramen region with invasion of the petrous and tympanic bone, carotid canal, and middle ear, and extending to the infratemporal fossa (type C2 of Fisch's classification for GJT). During the procedure the mastoid part of the facial nerve was identified involved by tumor and needed to be resected. We also describe the technique for nerve reconstruction, using an interposition graft from the great auricular nerve, harvested at the beginning of the surgery. We achieved total tumor resection with a remarkable postoperative course. The patient also presented with facial function after 6 months. The patient consented with publication of her images.

The Juxtacondylar Approach to the Jugular Foramen

2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS75-ONS81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaël Bruneau ◽  
Bernard George
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
External Carotid ◽  
Anterolateral Approach ◽  
Bone Drilling ◽  
The Third ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves

Abstract Objective: We sought to describe the juxtacondylar approach to jugular foramen tumors. Methods: Through an anterolateral approach, the third segment of the vertebral artery (between C2 and the dura mater) is controlled. The C1 transverse process of the atlas, which is located just inferiorly to the jugular foramen, is then removed. The dissection of the internal jugular vein is performed as high as possible, with control of the IXth, Xth, XIth, and XIIth cranial nerves. If required by a tumor extending into the neck, the internal and external carotid arteries can be exposed and controlled. Through a partial mastoidectomy and after removal of the bone covering the jugular tubercle, the end of the sigmoid sinus and then the posteroinferior part of the jugular foramen are reached. RESULTS: This technique is efficient to expose tumors extending into the jugular foramen. Contrary to the infratemporal approach, it has the main advantage of avoiding petrous bone drilling and associated potential complications. Lower cranial nerves are well exposed in the neck. In patients with schwannomas, complete resection with selective dividing of only the few involved rootlets can be achieved. Conclusion: The juxtacondylar approach is an efficient approach to tumors located in the jugular foramen. It necessitates control of the third segment of the vertebral artery but has the advantage of avoiding complications associated with petrous bone drilling. Extension beyond the jugular foramen requires combination with an infratemporal or a retrosigmoid approach.

The microsurgical anatomy of the jugular foramen

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 903-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Adetokunboh Ayeni ◽  
Kenji Ohata ◽  
Kiyoaki Tanaka ◽  
Akira Hakuba
Keyword(s):  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Suboccipital Craniectomy ◽  
The Right ◽  
Posterior Meningeal Artery ◽  
Distal Sigmoid

✓ The microsurgical anatomy of the jugular foramen was studied in 10 fixed cadavers, each cadaver consisting of the whole head and neck. Five of the cadavers were injected with latex. The jugular foraminal region was exposed using the infratemporal fossa type A approach of Fisch and Pillsbury in five cadavers (10 sides) and the combined cervical dissection—mastoidectomy—suboccipital craniectomy approach in five cadavers (10 sides). The right foramen was larger than the left in seven cases (70%), equal in two cases (20%), and smaller in one case (10%). The dura covering the intracranial portal of the foramen had two perforations, a smaller anteromedial perforation through which passed the ninth cranial nerve (CN IX), and a larger posterolateral perforation, through which passed the 10th and 11th cranial nerves (CNs X and XI) and the distal sigmoid sinus. The perforations were separated by a fibrous septum in 16 specimens (80%). After exiting the posterior fossa, CNs IX, X, and XI all lay anteromedial to the superior jugular bulb (SJB) within the jugular foramen. The inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) entered the foramen between CNs IX and X in most cases; however, in 10% of our cases it entered the foramen between CNs X and XI, and in 10% it entered the foramen caudal to CN XI. The IPS terminated in the SJB in 90% of our cases; in 40%, the IPS termination consisted of multiple channels draining into both the SJB and internal jugular vein. This study shows that the arrangement of the neurovascular structures within the jugular foramen does not conform to the hitherto widely accepted notion of discrete compartmentalization into an anteromedial pars nervosa containing CN IX and the IPS and a posterolateral pars venosa containing the SJB, CNs X and XI, and the posterior meningeal artery.

Microsurgical anatomy of the choroidal arteries Fourth ventricle and cerebellopontine angles

1980 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyotaka Fujii ◽  
Carla Lenkey ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton
Keyword(s):  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Lateral Recess ◽  
Lateral Segment ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

✓ The microsurgical anatomy of the arteries supplying the choroid plexus in the fourth ventricle and cerebellopontine angles was examined under × 3 to × 20 magnification in brains from 25 adult cadavers. In the most common pattern, the branches of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) supplied the portion of the choroid plexus in the cerebellopontine angle and adjacent part of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) supplied the choroid plexus in the roof and medial part of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle. The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) gave rise to a choroidal branch in only one brain. The choroid plexus on each side of the midline was divided into a medial and a lateral segment. Each segment was considered two parts to facilitate the description of its blood supply. The medial segment, located in the roof of the fourth ventricle, was divided into a rostral or nodular part, and a caudal or tonsillar part. The lateral segment, located in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and cerebellopontine angle, was separated into a medial or peduncular part, and a lateral or floccular part. The AICA most commonly supplied all the floccular part and the lateral portion of the peduncular part, and the PICA most commonly supplied all of the tonsillar and nodular parts, and the medial portion of the peduncular part.

The Medial wall of the Jugular Foramen

2009 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahar Keles ◽  
Maroun T. Semaan ◽  
Jose N. Fayad
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Medial Wall ◽  
Surgical Morbidity ◽  
Hearing Research ◽  
Complex Anatomy ◽  
Temporal Bones ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the variable and complex anatomy of the jugular foramen (JF) and the relationship between the neurovascular structures in the medial wall of the jugular bulb (JB). STUDY DESIGN: A temporal bone anatomic study. SETTING: A temporal bone laboratory within a hearing research facility. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two temporal bones were dissected under the operating microscope. The JF anatomy was exposed by using the modified infratemporal fossa approach (no rerouting of the facial nerve). Pictures were taken at various intervals during the dissection. Distances between important structures were measured with two-point calipers and transferred to a millimetric scale. RESULTS: The right JF was found to be larger than the left side in 72.7 percent of the dissected temporal bones. A fibrous septum separated the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) from the vagus (CN X) and accessory (CN XI) nerves in 19 specimens (86.4%), and a complete bony septum was present in three specimens (13.6%). The CNs IX, X, and XI traveled anteromedially to the JB within the JF. The inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) drained into the medial wall of the JB at various locations by two or more channels. In most of the specimens (86.4%), the IPS separated CNs IX and X. CONCLUSION: The lower cranial nerves have an intimate relationship to the medial wall of the JB. Within the JF, the neurovascular structures vary in size, shape, and location. To minimize surgical morbidity, the surgeon should be familiar with the complex anatomy of the JB and its variations.

Auditory Brainstem Implantation: The University of Verona Experience

2002 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Colletti ◽  
Francesco Fiorino ◽  
Marco Carner ◽  
Luca Sacchetto ◽  
Veronica Miorelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Cochlear Nucleus ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus ◽  
Cochlear Nerve ◽  
Additional Patient ◽  
Lateral Recess ◽  
Cochlear Nerve Aplasia ◽  
The University

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the advantages of the retrosigmoid-transmeatal (RS-TM) approach in the application of auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) in adults with monolateral and bilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) and in children with cochlear nerve aplasia. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective case review. SETTING: The study was conducted at the ENT Department of the University of Verona, Italy. PATIENTS: Six adult patients (5 men and 1 woman) with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were operated on for VS removal with ABI. An additional patient had a unilateral VS in the only hearing ear. Tumor size ranged from 12 to 40 mm. In addition, 2 children received ABIs for bilateral cochlear nerve aplasia. INTERVENTION: An RS-TM approach was used in all VS patients, and an RS approach was used in the subjects with cochlear nerve aplasia. After tumor excision, landmarks (VII, VIII and IX cranial nerves, choroid plexus) for the foramen of Luschka were carefully identified. The choroid plexus was then partially removed and the tela choroidea divided and bent back; the floor of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and the convolution of the dorsal cochlear nucleus became visible. In the 2 subjects with no cochlear nerve, the choroid plexus and VII and IX cranial nerves were used as landmarks. The electrode array was then inserted into the lateral recess and the correct position was monitored with the aid of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABR) and neural response telemetry (NRT). RESULTS: Correct implantation was possible in all patients. Auditory sensations were induced in all patients with various numbers of electrodes. Different pitch sensations could be identified with different electrode stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the RS approach is the route of choice for patients who are candidates for ABI due to the easy and clear access to the cochlear nucleus area. This route avoids some of the drawbacks of the translabyrinthine approach, such as mastoidectomy, labyrinthectomy, sealing of the cavity and posterior fossa with abdominal fat, and contamination from the middle ear. For this reason, it is the route of choice in children with cochlear nerve aplasia or severe cochlear malformation and in adults with complete ossification of the cochlea or cochlear nerve disruption due to cranial trauma.

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