Arterial Supply of the Human Endolymphatic Duct and Sac

Abstract

The arterial anatomy of the endolymphatic duct and sac was studied in vascular casts of methyl methacrylate of six human heads. The chief source of arterial blood supply to the endolymphatic duct and sac appeared to be the occipital artery. Arterioles entered the bone of the mastoid process. Arterioles in bone, the walls of the sigmoid sinus, and the posterior fossa dura coursed medially to supply the endolymphatic sac. The orientation of arterioles tended to be along the long axis of the endolymphatic duct and sac, whereas venules were more likely to be circumferentially oriented. Arterioles arising from dural vessels divided into deeper branches, which supplied periductal connective tissue, and superficial branches, which entered canaliculi of the vestibular aqueduct. Gross anatomic findings were confirmed by histologic examination of temporal bones.)