Anatomy of the cavernous sinus region

The cavernous region was examined in 20 fetuses, injected with Micropaque, and in 5 adults. The lateral wall of the cavernous region in fetuses was noticed to have four layers. The superficial membrane represents the dural sheath. The second membrane of dense connective tissue involves the trochlear nerve. The third layer, formed by loose connective tissue, involves the oculomotor nerve, and the ophthalmic and maxillary division. The fourth layer, which represents the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, involves the abducent nerve. The meningohypophyseal trunk can be complete or incomplete. The inferolateral trunk and its branches were found to supply the cavernous portions of the mentioned cranial nerves. The obtained data make the anatomic basis for neurosurgical operations in the cavernous region. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.