Internal acoustic meatus

Definition

The internal acoustic meatus is a canal in the temporal bone of the skull that allows passage for nerves and vessels from the inner ear to the brain. It specifically transmits the facial nerve (VII), vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII), and the labyrinthine artery.

Related terms

Temporal Bone:

A bone on each side of the skull forming part of the side and base of the skull, housing structures such as the internal acoustic meatus.

Facial Nerve:

The seventh cranial nerve that controls most facial expressions, conveys taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and passes through the internal acoustic meatus.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve:

The eighth cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance, also traversing through the internal acoustic meatus to connect the inner ear with the brain