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INTRODUCTION: The infratemporal fossa (ITF) gives passage to most major cerebral vessels and cranial nerves. Dissection of the ITF is essential in many of the lateral cranial base approaches and in exposure of the high cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). We reviewed the surgical anatomy of this region.

METHODS: Direct foraminal measurements were made in seven dry skulls (14 sides), and the relationship of these foramina to each other and various landmarks were determined. Ten ITF dissections were performed using a preauricular subtemporal-infratemporal approach. Preliminary dissections of the extracranial great vessels and structures larger than 1 cm were performed using standard macroscopic surgical techniques. Dissection of all structures less than 1 cm was conducted using microsurgical techniques and instruments, including the operating microscope. The anatomic relationships of the muscles …