[Microanatomical relationships of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the facial nerve].

The microanatomical relationships between facial nerve and anterior inferior cerebellar artery were examined in 30 adult cadavers. Seventeen of the 60 arteries were situated ventrally to the facial nerve; 8 dorsally to the facial nerve root; 26 passed between the seventh and eighth cranial nerves; 9 round the seventh and eighth cranial nerves. Forty-one of the 60 nerves were in contact with the arteries. The significance of microanatomical relationships between the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the facial nerve was discussed.