A new surgical approach to the skull base in rats
Reidenberg, J.S.; Laitman, J.T.
Laboratory Animal Science 40(3): 312-315
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 2162990 Document Number: 353123
A new procedure is described to surgically approach the rat skull base and visualize the spheno-occipital synchondrosis. This region is difficult to access in small laboratory animals without incurring damage to midline structures. This method, however, uses a lateral approach through an anterior triangle of the neck bounded by the sternocleidomastoid, digastric (posterior belly) and omohyoid muscles. No structures are transected in this procedure, thus preserving the underlying anatomy. This oblique angle of approach allows clear visualization of the mid-basicranium while sparing retraction or surgical trauma to respiratory and digestive structures such as the larynx, trachea and esophagus.