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Objective: The main objective of the study was to show the morphologic features of optic strut (OS) and prechiasmatic sulcus (PS) in the fetal skull base with a surgical anatomical perspective., Methods: Twenty-three fetal cadavers (9 female, 14 male) with an average age of 21.70 ± 3.12 (range: 16-28) weeks of gestation in the inventory of the Anatomy Department were included in the study. Measurements were made with a digital image analysis software and goniometer., Results: The sulcal length, interoptic distance, planum length, and sulcal angle were detected as follows: 3.91 ± 0.74 mm, 6.88 ± 1.04 mm, 6.55 ± 1.51 mm, and 24.52 ± 9.51°, respectively. Considering the location of the posteromedial margin of OS according to PS, OS was identified as the sulcal in 56.5% (13 cases), postsulcal in 30.4% (7 cases), and asymmetric in 13% (3 cases). According to the sulcal length and angle, PS was identified as type 1 in 26.1% (6 cases), type 2 in 21.7% (5 cases), type 3 in 30.4% (7 cases), and type 4 in 21.7% (5 cases)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the sulcal length and angle reach adult size in utero. Taking into account the fetal and the gathered adult measurements, the high percentage of steep angle compared to flat angle show that after birth, PS become more flat, probably depending on the variations of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization. Thus, more studies conducted on the alterations in PS and OS types relative to the pneumatization are needed in terms of patient positioning, selection of appropriate surgical approach, and intraoperative decision-making., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the right and left sides of the carotid foramen (CF) to determine its precise location according to certain anatomical landmarks. MATERIALS and METHODS: Twenty human dry skulls were included in the study. A digital caliper and a digital image analysis software were used to obtain direct anatomical numerical values. Then, the same parameters on dry skulls were assessed with computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: CF was found to be round shaped (62.5%), oval shaped (32.5%), and tear-drop shaped (5%). In all cases, the position of CF was seen as just postero-laterally of the foramen lacerum. According to the jugular foramen, CF was seen to be anterior in 85% and antero-medial in 15% of the cases. Regarding the morphometric values of the surface area, the length and width of CF were observed to be 37.86±11.24 mm2, 8.02±1.09 mm, and 6.86±0.90 mm at direct anatomical measurements and 39.69±10.07 mm2, 7.89±1.14 mm, and 6.41±0.90 mm at CT, respectively. The angles between the supramastoid crest-CF-zygoma root and the supramastoid crest-CF-mastoid process were determined as 37.11±6.87° and 42.22±6.40° at direct anatomical measurements and 36.59±4.94° and 43.71±4.55° at CT, respectively. CONCLUSION: A significant difference in sides was not observed in relation with the numerical data of CF obtained from CT or from direct anatomical measurements of dry skulls. Moreover, a significant difference was not found between radiological and direct anatomical measurements. Therefore, precise radiological assessment of this region by an experienced neuroradiologist may be assumed as a fundamental need for successful surgeries of the skull base, in addition to thorough anatomical knowledge of neurootologists and neurosurgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]