Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology · 1980 · 27 citations · 0 references
MedicineNeurosurgeryOtolaryngologyAuditory AnatomyNeuroanatomySurgical Anatomy Of The HeadCranial Nerve AnatomyCranial NervesFacial Nerve AnatomyFacial Nerve SurgerySkull Base AnatomyFacial Nerve Developmental AnatomyFacial Nerve LandmarksFacial Nerve Surgical AnatomyMiddle Ear AnatomyNerve Canal LocalizationSurgical Landmark Localization
The bony partition between the epitympanum and the anterior epitympanum serves as a reliable landmark for the facial nerve canal which is located at its base. The consistency of this landmark probably relates to the fact that it forms part of the fallopian canal during fetal development. This surgical landmark is useful where middle ear anatomy is obscured by disease or when a total facial nerve decompression procedure is planned.