Abstract / Summary
Introduction The dorsal meningeal artery (DMA) is closely related to the abducens nerve, petrosphenoidal ligament (PSL), and Dorello’s canal (DC). However, detailed quantitative data concerning its morphology and topographical relationships within this region remain limited. This study aimed to provide supplementary morphometric and histological data on the DMA and its relationship to DC and the abducens nerve. Materials and Methods Twenty-five formalin-fixed human hemi-heads were dissected using magnification and microsurgical instruments. The presence of the DMA and PSL and the course of the DMA were assessed, and the external diameter of the DMA and its shortest distance from the dural sleeve of the abducens nerve were measured. Differences between the right and left sides were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Two additional freshly harvested specimens were examined histologically. Results The PSL was identified in 23 of 25 specimens (92%). The DMA coursed below the PSL and medial to the dural sleeve of the abducens nerve in 22 specimens (88%), while in one specimen (4%) it coursed above the PSL. The DMA was not identified in two specimens (8%). It was located within the inferomedial paraclival triangle in 21 specimens (84%) and outside its medial boundary in two specimens (8%). The external diameter of the DMA ranged from 0.28 to 0.68 mm (mean, 0.47 ± 0.13 mm), while its distance from the dural sleeve ranged from 0 to 5.60 mm (mean, 2.02 ± 1.74 mm). No statistically significant side differences were observed. Histological examination demonstrated variable relationships of the DMA to the floor of DC and the PSL. Conclusions The DMA is usually located within DC, below the PSL and medial to the dural sleeve of the abducens nerve, but its topography shows considerable individual variation. Its relationship to the abducens nerve, canal floor, and PSL should therefore not be considered constant.