Arcuate eminence in Caucasian populations

The arcuate eminence (AE) was studied in 21 Caucasian cadavers (42 temporal bones), with particular reference to its relationship to the superior semi circular canal (SSC) and the temporal lobe. An arc-like eminence was observ ed in over 80 per cent of specimens, however, they did not exactly correspo nd to the SSC and such eminences corresponded to the sulci of the temporal lobe. The round and domed eminence corresponded to each SSC in seven tempor al bones. The distances between the SSC and the middle cranial fossa were v aried (0-2.5 mm, mean: 1.2 mm+ +/- 0.6 mm) whereas distances between the la teral semicircular canal and tympanic cavity were relatively consistent (0. 6-1.4 mm, mean: 1.0 mm +/- 0.2 mm). These data indicate that the AE is trace of the temporal lobe and the SSC g ave little effect to the surface of the middle cranial fossa. These finding s could well be applicable to all humans.