Facial canal
Facial Canal
The Facial Canal (pronunciation: /ˈfeɪʃəl kəˈnæl/), also known as the Fallopian Canal, is a bony structure in the temporal bone of the skull through which the facial nerve travels.
Etymology
The term "Facial Canal" is derived from the Latin words 'facies' meaning face and 'canalis' meaning channel. The alternative name, "Fallopian Canal", is named after the Italian anatomist Gabriele Falloppio, who first described it.
Structure
The Facial Canal begins at the internal acoustic meatus and ends at the stylomastoid foramen, transmitting the facial nerve and the labyrinthine artery. It has three segments: the labyrinthine, tympanic, and mastoid.
Labyrinthine Segment
The Labyrinthine Segment is the shortest and narrowest part of the facial canal. It begins at the fundus of the internal acoustic meatus and ends at the geniculate ganglion.
Tympanic Segment
The Tympanic Segment begins at the geniculate ganglion and ends at the pyramidal eminence. It runs horizontally above the oval window and the promontory of the tympanic cavity.
Mastoid Segment
The Mastoid Segment is the final part of the facial canal. It begins at the pyramidal eminence and ends at the stylomastoid foramen.
Clinical Significance
Damage to the facial nerve within the facial canal can result in facial paralysis. This can occur due to Bell's palsy, Lyme disease, stroke, or trauma.
See Also
- Facial nerve
- Temporal bone
- Internal acoustic meatus
- Stylomastoid foramen
- Labyrinthine artery
- Geniculate ganglion
- Oval window
- Promontory of the tympanic cavity
- Pyramidal eminence
- Bell's palsy
- Lyme disease
- Stroke
- Trauma
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facial canal
- Wikipedia's article - Facial canal
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