A Study of the Topographic Anatomy of the Human Vestibular Aqueduct

Taking consideration of its surgical importance the anatomy of the distal endolymphatic system, especially, dimensions of the vestibular aqueduct were investigated. Twenty-five adult human dry temporal bones were dissected for the study on dimensions and relationships of lumen of the common crus and the internal aperture of the vestibular aqueduct. And sixteen adult human fresh temporal bones were examined by osmic acid staining method on the measurement of whole course of the vestibular aqueduct. As the results, numerical data of the vestibular aqueduct were presented with particular reference to its shape, dimensions, and relationships of its internal aperture. The course and relationships of a para-vestibular canaliculus housing the blood supply of the endolymphatic sac was described.