title: Imaging of the upper cranial nerves I, III-VIII, and the cavernous sinuses.
abstract: This article discusses the upper cranial nerves (I, III-VIII) and their anatomy as it pertains to intra-axial nuclei and tracts, cisternal portions, and extracranial portions. In addition, the most common pathologic processes affecting the upper cranial nerves are discussed and illustrated. Because the evaluation of small structures requires imaging techniques that provide high resolution and contrast, MR imaging is the examination of choice. CT still plays a limited but important role in the evaluation of intraosseous portions of some cranial nerves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3326 Old Infirmary Building, CB #7510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, USA. castillo@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Mauricio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000010:Abducens Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009802:Oculomotor Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D009832:Olfactory Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D014321:Trochlear Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology