Skull Base Development and Anatomy

The base of the skull is one of the most complex anatomical areas of the human body, with great histological diversity. Additionally, it is the area that separates the brain from other extracranial structures giving rise to CSF leaks through congenital or acquired bony defects. Thorough understanding of the normal skull base anatomy and its variants is of paramount importance for skull base surgery procedures. Developments in transnasal endoscopic techniques have motivated new interest for anatomical studies from an endoscopic perceptive. This chapter discusses the regions of the skull base, with special reference to the sphenoid sinus, surrounding structures, nerves, vascular supply, and clinically relevant surgical landmarks. Basic embryology as well as anatomical defects related to histological development of the skull base that pose potential risk for CSF rhinorrhea are also described.