The vascular supply of the lenticular and long processes of the incus.

Previous reports of the blood supply to the lenticular and long processes of the incus have failed to consider the potential contribution of the periosteal vascular plexus. This scanning electron microscopic study of vascular foramina on the cortical bone surface demonstrates that there is no statistical difference between the numbers of vascular foramina on the lenticular and long processes, as opposed to the body and short process. These results suggest that the blood supply to this portion of the ossicular chain may not be as tenuous as has been thought.