Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomic data for surgical treating through the ethmoid region. Methods　Based on the study of gross anatomy, three-dimensional thin serial sections of the anterior skull base with improved celloidin embedding technique were performed, followed by the exploration of accurate anatomical features and complex adjacencies.　Results　The research exactly showed the structures and adjacencies in the ethmoidal region: the thickness of the lamina papyracea was about (0.35±0.089) mm, and (0.36±0.086 )mm for left and right sides respectively. The distances between the nasal columella and the opening of the maxillary sinus was (39.1±2.4) mm and (40.0±2.5) mm respectively. The distances from the sinus in middle nasal meatus to the ethmoid roof was (12.0±1.0)mm, and (11.8±1.1)mm respectively. Conclusions　Surgical operation in anterior cranial fossa, orbit and optic canal through the ethmoid region is safe and feasible.

Key words: Ethmoid region, Operative approach, Sectional anatomy, Applied anatomy