A technique for a wide approach to the medulla and bullae of the cat

Abstract

Ready access to the bullae and auditory pathways in the medulla can only be achieved by the ventral approach. A wider exposure is required than for approaches to other structures in the medulla, such as the trigeminal nuclei and pyramidal tracts. In our neurophysiological experiments it was frequently necessary to use three electrodes to stimulate and record from the auditory pathways in the medulla. To accommodate these electrodes in the medulla and operative field at the one time, wider access was needed than provided by the standard approach described by Boudrequ and Rohwer (1964). In their approach the tissues were dissected lateral to the larynx so that it could be retracted to one side, but we were able to obtain a wider approach by mobilization of the larynx and pharynx, division of their supporting structures, ligation of one common carotid artery, and incision of the larynx and pharynx. The anatomical terminology used in the description of this method is from Reighard and Jennings, 1966.