Inferior petrosal sulcus

Inferior Petrosal Sulcus

The Inferior Petrosal Sulcus is a significant anatomical feature of the human skull. It is a groove or depression located on the petrous part of the temporal bone, which is one of the bones that make up the base of the skull.

Anatomy

The Inferior Petrosal Sulcus begins at the posterior part of the jugular foramen, a large opening in the base of the skull. It runs forward and medially, and ends near the foramen lacerum, another opening in the skull base. The sulcus serves as a channel for the inferior petrosal sinus, a vein that drains blood from the brain.

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Base of the skull. Inferior surface. (Inferior petrosal sulcus not labeled, but region is visible.)

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the structures it houses, the Inferior Petrosal Sulcus can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, it can be affected in cases of basilar skull fracture, which can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leak or damage to the inferior petrosal sinus. It can also be involved in certain surgical procedures, such as transsphenoidal surgery, which is often used to remove tumors from the pituitary gland.

See Also

• Superior petrosal sinus
• Cranial fossae
• Sphenopetrosal synchondrosis

External Links

• AnatomyExpert