Anatomic variations of the chorda tympani canal.

The anatomic variations of the facial recess are of interest in certain otosurgical procedures. The medial border of the recess is the mastoid portion of the facial nerve canal, and the lateral border is the bony canal of the chorda tympani. These two structures were investigated in 64 polyester casts of temporal bone specimens. The point of exit of the chorda tympani canal from the facial canal was assessed together with the angle, formed between these two nerve channels. As a further way of describing the spaciousness at the facial recess, the distance between the sulcus of the stapedius muscle and the chorda tympani canal was evaluated.