Topographic and Anatomical Relationships Between the Cranial Nerves and the Bony Canals of the Skull Base: A Comparative Characterization

The article presents a literature review of the topographic and anatomical relationships between the twelve pairs of cranial nerves and the bony canals, fissures and foramina of the skull base. The anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossae are compared with respect to the course of the nerves, their bony and dural compartments, and the neurovascular companions that share the same openings. Particular attention is paid to anatomical variability (bony bridges, ossified ligaments, accessory foramina, asymmetry of the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal), to age-related and sex-related differences, and to the clinical consequences of nerve entrapment. The review is based on published anatomical, radiological and neurosurgical studies and contains no original patient data.