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Purpose <p>The carotid canal transmits the internal carotid artery through the skull base. The external opening of the carotid canal (EOCC) is frequently used as a reference point in radiological imaging and lateral skull base surgery. However, quantitative data regarding EOCC morphology and its precise spatial relationships with adjacent foramina and bony structures remain limited.</p> Methods <p>A total of 45 adult dry human skulls (90 sides) were examined. The maximum anteroposterior (APD) and lateromedial diameters (LMD) of the EOCC were measured, and EOCC morphology was classified into three types according to predefined morphometric ratios. The positional relationships of the EOCC were determined relative to the foramen ovale (FO) and the occipital condyle (OC). In addition, linear distances between the EOCC and adjacent anatomical landmarks, including the foramen spinosum, foramen jugulare, zygomatic orifice, mastoid process, and lateral plate of the pterygoid process, were recorded. All morphometric data were obtained using a digital caliper with a precision of 0.01 mm, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.</p> Results <p>The most common EOCC configuration was Type 2, characterized by an APD greater than the LMD without exceeding twice the LMD (94.45%). The EOCC was most frequently located in oblique and anterolateral positions relative to the FO and the OC, respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>The results provide detailed morphometric and positional data on the EOCC and contribute to a more standardized anatomical description of this region. These findings may serve as reference information for anatomical research, radiological evaluation, and surgical planning involving the lateral skull base.</p>

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Morphometric evaluation of the external opening of the carotid canal and its relationships with adjacent skull base landmarks

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月5日

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  • Latif Saglam,
  • Gökçe Cenik,
  • Aslı Ceren Macunluoğlu,
  • Osman Coskun,
  • Aysin Kale,
  • Ozcan Gayretli

摘要

Purpose

The carotid canal transmits the internal carotid artery through the skull base. The external opening of the carotid canal (EOCC) is frequently used as a reference point in radiological imaging and lateral skull base surgery. However, quantitative data regarding EOCC morphology and its precise spatial relationships with adjacent foramina and bony structures remain limited.

Methods

A total of 45 adult dry human skulls (90 sides) were examined. The maximum anteroposterior (APD) and lateromedial diameters (LMD) of the EOCC were measured, and EOCC morphology was classified into three types according to predefined morphometric ratios. The positional relationships of the EOCC were determined relative to the foramen ovale (FO) and the occipital condyle (OC). In addition, linear distances between the EOCC and adjacent anatomical landmarks, including the foramen spinosum, foramen jugulare, zygomatic orifice, mastoid process, and lateral plate of the pterygoid process, were recorded. All morphometric data were obtained using a digital caliper with a precision of 0.01 mm, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

The most common EOCC configuration was Type 2, characterized by an APD greater than the LMD without exceeding twice the LMD (94.45%). The EOCC was most frequently located in oblique and anterolateral positions relative to the FO and the OC, respectively.

Conclusion

The results provide detailed morphometric and positional data on the EOCC and contribute to a more standardized anatomical description of this region. These findings may serve as reference information for anatomical research, radiological evaluation, and surgical planning involving the lateral skull base.