Anatomy of the vestibular aqueduct and the paravestibular canaliculus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain basic information about the anatomical relationship between the vestibular aqueduct (VA) and the paravestibular aqueduct (PVC) using temporal bones from fetus, newborns and adults. Medial view graphic reconstruction of the VA and PVC was performed in every case for analysis of the VA and PVC. The findings of this study revealed the following new information about the anatomical relationship between the VA and PVC. 1) In the midterm of fetal life, the PVC was not found, but the vein from the vestibule along with the endolymphatic sac was still existed in the VA. 2) At birth, the PVC was formed around the VA. 3) In the temporal bones from the adults, the PVC took similar course in every case with normoplastic VA and also with hyperplastic VA, while the PVC took unusual course in some cases with hypoplastic VA.