Angiosome Territories of Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII).

Abstract

Background: Taylor and Palmer introduced an angiosome (vascular) concept in reconstructive plastic surgery in 1987. The angiosome is considered a segment of a nerve (cranial or peripheral nerve) supplied by a primary source of blood vessels.

Purpose: To observe the arteries supplying the vestibulocochlear nerves (VIII) from the brainstem till their termination. To analyse the neurovascular relationship of the vestibulocochlear nerve.

Methods: In total, 45 formalin-fixed cadaveric heads with the base of the skull were studied by dissection and histological methods.

Results: At the level of the pontomedullary junction, it is supplied by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery; within the internal acoustic canal, the cochlear nerve is provided by the cochlear artery, the vestibular nerve is supplied by a vestibular artery, which is the fine branch of the labyrinthine artery.

Conclusion: Their vascular supply influences the functioning of nerves. The labyrinthine artery is a thin, slender end artery, making it more vulnerable to circulatory disturbances.