Anatomical Base of Surgery

Abstract

Extracranial occipital and temporal arteries which should be preserved are presented. The temporal artery (branches of external carotid artery) is connected to the occipital artery. Preserving these connections prevents necrosis to the skin after surgery.The median occipital emissary veins close to confluens of sinuses may be endangered during craniotomy which poses the risk of bleeding from the sinus, thrombosis, and air embolism.The small and large venous connections as well as the high variability of the confluens of sinuses are appreciated. These connections may compensate occlusion of the confluens area, e.g., by a tumor.The large occipitomedial anterior basal vein which is connected to the vein of Galen represents the main draining vein of the occipital lobe. Hence, the vein of Galen may be endangered by traction during removal of the occipital lobe.The optic radiation is projecting to the cuneus and precuneus. It can be seen well on fiber-tracking MRI but is difficult to visualize in anatomical dissection. Here, illustration of anatomical dissection has been preferred as it also shows the surrounding fiber systems.The limbic fiber groups of the occipital cingulum, which bilaterally surround the surface of the splenium, should be preserved at least on one side. These fibers are shown together with their feeding arteries.