Course and relationship of cranial nerves from end organs through foraminas to root entry zones. How far can they be mobilized: an anatomical study

In this study, the mobilization of all cranial nerves with drilling of several bony structure, cutting of ligaments, folds and dural attachments were performed via different skull base approaches. Twenty cadaveric head specimens filled with microfil were dissected bilaterally. On 5 dry skulls, important bony structures were also studied. We observed that the mobilization of the nerves II, III, VI, VIII, and XII were not easy comparing to other cranial nerves. The subfrontal parenchymal tissue should be removed and the olfactory nerve should be dissected for mobilization of the first cranial nerve. The mobilization of the nerves IV, V, VII, IX, and XI were dramatically remarkable after drilling of superior orbital fissure, foramen ovale, foramen rotundum, Fallopian canal, and jugular foramen.