Floor of cranial cavity

Structures in region of sella turcica; origin of ophthalmic arteries, superior view

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Image #50-6

Floor of cranial cavity

Structures in region of sella turcica; origin of ophthalmic arteries, superior view

The optic nerves have been transected and elevated. To the left of the midline the dura mater has been cut away to display the cavernous sinus (8), basilar plexus of veins (11) and dorsum sellae (20).

1. Olfactory tract
2. Optic nerve (II) (elevated)
3. Ophthalmic artery and anterior clinoid process
4. Diaphragm of sella
5. Ophthalmic nerve (VI)
6. Trochlear nerve (IV)
7. Posterior communicating artery and oculomotor nerve (III)
8. Cavernous sinus
9. Tentorium cerebelli (cut away)
10. Semilunar ganglion (trigeminal)
11. Basilar venous plexus
12. Boundary between anterior and middle cranial fossae
13. Arachnoid matter (extending into optic canal)
14. Tuberculum sellae
15. Branch of internal carotid artery right to hypophysis
16. Hypophysis (visible through diaphragmatic foramen)
17. Infundibulum (cut across)
18. Oculomotor nerve entering cavernous sinus (note sac-like eversion of dura mater similar to Meckel's cave)
19. Posterior clinoid process
20. Dorsum sellae
21. Orifice in margin of tentorium cerebelli to accommodate trochlear nerve (IV)