Meningeal Branches of the Meningohypophyseal Trunk, Inferior View

Description

Centered on the parasellar region, the meningohypophyseal trunk is traced as a short branch from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery, giving rise to its meningeal branches along the inferior aspect of the sella turcica and adjacent dura. From this inferior perspective, the brainstem sits midline and posterior to the cavernous sinuses, while the temporal poles and inferior surfaces of the frontal lobes frame the field laterally and anteriorly. Cranial nerves are rendered in yellow as they course from the ventral brainstem toward the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure, with the meningeal arterial twigs spreading medially over the clival and sellar dura. Tight anatomy. Clinically, the meningohypophyseal trunk and its branches matter because they supply dural territories frequently involved by cavernous sinus and petroclival meningiomas, and they can contribute hazardous anastomoses during endovascular embolization. In transsphenoidal and endoscopic endonasal approaches to the sella, the relationship between the cavernous internal carotid artery, the parasellar dura, and nearby cranial nerves (III, IV, V1, V2, VI) frames the risk profile for arterial injury and postoperative cranial neuropathies. This inferior view offers a clear perspective on how a small carotid branch can have outsized surgical and angiographic consequences. Use this illustration for teaching skull base vascular anatomy in neuroanatomy, neuroradiology, and neurosurgical anatomy courses, and for figure support in publications discussing cavernous ICA branches, parasellar dural supply, or embolization planning for meningioma. It also fits clinical slide decks on endoscopic endonasal surgery and carotid injury avoidance near the sella turcica. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.