Th e optic strut and the anterior clinoid process represent bony structures that are closely related to anatomically and clinically signifi cant elements such as the cavernous sinus, the internal carotid artery, the optic nerve and the pituitary gland. Th e objective of our study was to quantify dimensions of the optic strut and anterior clinoid process, and to determine variations in positions and forms of these structures. A descriptive anatomical study was performed on dry human skulls. We analyzed dimensions and variations in position of the optic strut, dimensions of the anterior clinoid process as well as the incidence and forms of the caroticoclinoid foramen. Th e average thickness of the optic strut on skulls belonging to males was mm and . mm on those belonging to females. Th e optic strut was most commonly attached to the anterior two fi fths on the lower side of the anterior clinoid process. On the male skulls the average width of the anterior clinoid process was . mm (right) and . mm (left). Its length was . and . mm. On female skulls the average width of the process was . mm (right) and . mm (left), while the length measured . mm on the right and . mm on the opposite side. In our sample, a complete caroticoclinoid foramen appeared in ., a contact form in .. At last, an incomplete form of the foramen was observed in .. Th e anatomic variations of the investigated structures must be considered during the approaches to the cavernous sinus and neurovascular elements of the sellar region.
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