Applied Anatomy of the Neurovascular Structures of the Base of the Skull

Variations of the anatomy of the vascular system or various pathological processes like intracranial aneurysms could cause neurological symptoms, due to their proximity to cranial nerves. The aim of this study is to describe the link between vessels and cranial nerves, to associate with neurological clinic.24 anatomical pieces were used, 10 of them with repletion of the vascular tree with coloured latex and 12 skulls, observed with magnifying glasses, and through surgical microscope. Images database was used to elaborate this study. The neurovascular relations observed during the dissection including, in cephalocaudal sense, the followings:a. Optic nerve [II] with internal carotid artery and ophthalmic artery.b. Oculomotor nerve [III] with posterior cerebral artery, superior cerebellar artery and posterior communicating artery.c. Trochlear nerve [IV] with superior cerebellar artery.d. Trigeminal nerve [V] with superior cerebellar arterye. Facial nerve [VII] with anterior- inferior cerebellar artery.f. Glossopharyngeal nerve [IX] with posterior- inferior cerebellar artery.The close neurovascular links can explain various neurological manifestations and understand different neurosurgical approaches.The knowledge of the neurovascular relations provides students a useful tool to understand the clinic. In addition, it improves physicians’ daily practice.