CT and MR imaging of the central skull base. Part 1: Techniques, embryologic development, and anatomy.

Recent advances in surgical techniques have enabled surgeons to approach previously inoperable deep-seated lesions of the skull base. The radiologist requires a thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy and the pathologic spectrum of this region and an understanding of imaging modalities in order to determine the extent of pathologic conditions and help plan the surgical approach. The embryologic development of the central skull base, normal gross anatomy, and anatomy as seen on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images are presented.