Brain stem rostral anatomy space: observation and study

Objective To supply brain stem rostral anatomy space parameter for neuroendoscopic key hole operation. Methods 20 adult cadveric heads and 20 dry skulls were examined.Results (1) The length of clivus is 44 9mm, narrowest (dorsum sellae) 18 1mm, widest (between hypoglossal canal) 27 3mm. (2) Brain stem rostral anatomy space is complicated, there are Ⅲ～Ⅻ cranial nerves, vertebral basilar artery and its branches, midbrain, pons, medullary bulb and subtentorial cistern (including interpeduncular cistern, pons anterior cistern, anterior medullary cistern, ambiens cistern, cerebellopontine cistern) and cerebellomedullary cistern.Conclution The aforementioned anatomic landmarks are usefule in localization and protection of vital structures during the operation