Transnasal Approach to the Pituitary Region

Abstract

In our material (Lang and Schäfer 1976) there are two to six small arteries arising from the cavernous part of the internal carotid artery. Most commonly there are two main trunks which we term the posterior and lateral caroticocavernous trunks. The posterior caroticocavernous trunk branches off in the vicinity of the posterior sinus curve of the internal carotid artery. It is approximately 1 mm in width and runs at first dorsally for 2–7 mm inside the cavernous sinus, then dividing into two or three branches. The posterior inferior hypophyseal artery usually runs medially and forwards. This vessel usually pursues a tortuous course between the internal carotid artery and the dorsum sellae, running medially to the basal part of the posterior pituitary lobe, where it frequently divides into two branches which embrace the posterior lobe. A ramus superior runs on the upper posterior part of the posterior lobe, and a ramus inferior on the lower posterior part (Fig. 131).