Meningeal Structure of the Cavernous Sinüs; an Anatomic Study.

Aim: İn this study the meningeal structure of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinüs and the microanatomy of Dorell's canal, and the anatomical relations of petrolingual and petrospheonidal ligaments with the adjacent structures were studied. By aim of additional security during the surgical approach in this region this study was performed. Materials and Methods: İn the present study, the microanatomy of the cavernous sinüs and the neighbouring structures in 14 adult human cadavers were examined using for this purpose Olympus operation and stereo microscope. Findings: İn our study, the lateral wall of the cavernous sinüs was found in a form of two layers, superficial and deep. The superficial layer is more thicker and flat vvhile, the deep is in a form of thin, irregular, variable and has dural defects on some region of it. İn our study, we investigated the distances betvveen the cranial nerves and their anatomical relations with the cavernosal part of the internal carotid artery. İt was observed that, the postero-inferior part of the deep layer of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinüs has a continuity with ptrolingual ligament and indicates the site of the entrance of the internal carotid artery; this deep layer can be easily separated from the superficial layer. Conclusion: The present study may be helpful to understand clearly the anatomy of the cavernous sinüs and its relevant structures with their morphometric relationships. Therefore, it can provide a useful Information to reduce the complication risk durring operations upon this region.