The petrosal nerves: Anatomy, pathology, and surgical considerations

Abstract

The literature lacks a comprehensive review of the petrosal nerves, which often have a complicated course and nomenclature. The medical literature was reviewed comprehensively for information regarding the anatomy, pathology, and surgery of the petrosal nerves. The terminology and anatomy of the petrosal nerves are often complicated. Our review found multiple nomenclatures used in the description of these structures. Information regarding the petrosal nerves may assist those who observe or operate at or near the skull base. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of these structures.

Dissection and Exposure of the Whole Course of Deep Nerves in Human Head Specimens after Decalcification

“…The mean length of the nerve of the pterygoid canal is 15.1 mm. Tubbs and colleagues [9] reported that the vidian nerve (nerve of the pterygoid canal) ranges in length from 10 to 12 mm, differing somewhat to our observations.…”

“…Concerning the greater petrosal nerve (GPN) and nerve of pterygoid canal, Tubbs and colleagues [9] state that the GPN runs for an average of 11 mm in the middle cranial fossa (range: 7–13 mm), medial to the lesser petrosal nerve (LPN). However, our observations show that the average total length of the GPN is 26.05 mm.…”

“…After reviewing the literature [2–9], it was found that most studies paid attention to different points of the deep nerves of the human head without studying the whole course of the nerves. Some authors viewed parts of the deep nerves, some observed deep nerves using microscopic or CT imaging techniques.…”

The relationship between the superior petrosal sinus and the porus trigeminus: an anatomical study

“…23 This sinus travels in the attached margin of the tentorium cerebelli 26 and receives drainage from the cerebellum, the inferior cerebral veins, and the veins of the tympanic cavity. 26,31 Since knowledge of such regional anatomy is important to the neurosurgeon, and the relationship of the SPS to the Meckel cave has not been stressed in the literature, the current study was undertaken.The relationship between the superior petrosal sinus and the porus trigeminus: an anatomical study Object. During intracranial approaches to the skull base, vascular relationships are important.…”

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block in the Management of Chronic Headaches

“…The facial nerve then branches off to form the greater petrosal nerve to reach the SPG as the Vidian nerve [5, 6••]. Once within the ganglion, the pre-ganglionic fibers synapse with the post-ganglionic fibers and travel along the trigeminal nerve branches to provide secretomotor function to the nasal mucosa and lacrimal glands and vasomotor functions to the surrounding vasculature [7].…”