A Study of the Gross Anatomy of the Human Vestibular Aqueduct

1. A description of the adult human vestibular aqueduct has been presented with particular reference to its shape, dimensions, and relationships, and to the characteristics and relationships of its internal aperture. 2. The course and relationships of a para-vestibular canaliculus housing the blood supply of the endolymphatic sac has been described. To the best of our knowledge these are original descriptions, 3. No projection of the perilymphatic space into the posterior fossa via the vestibular aqueduct could be identified. The perilymphatic space does, however, extend into the posterior fossa via the para-vestibular canaliculus. It is possible that some perilymph absorption takes place in this area. The canaliculus may also function as a pressure equalizing valve between the vestibular perilymphatic space and the posterior fossa.