Arteria labyrinthi

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 13.11.2023

Synonyms

abyrinthine artery, LA, internal auditory artery

The Arteria labyrinthi is the sole artery responsible for supplying the entire inner ear.

Anatomy

The Arteria labyrinthi originates from the AICA in 85 -90 % of cases and from the Basilar artery or an Arteria pontis[^1] [^2] in approximately 10 - 15 % of cases. The Arteria labyrinthi runs between the Facial nerve and the cochlear part of the Vestibulocochlear nerve. In approximately two-thirds of cases, there are two Arteriae labyrinthi, and in rare cases, multiple Arteriae labyrinthi may also be present[^1]. The Arteria labyrinthi divides into its terminal branches: the anterior vestibular artery, the vestibulocochlear artery, and the cochlear artery [^2].

Blood supply

The Arteria labyrinthi supplies the complex of the facial nerve and vestibulocochlear nerve. Through its terminal branches, the Arteria labyrinthi supplies the inner ear[^2].

Figure

Labyrinthine artery — Cadaveric dissection showing the cerebellopontine angle from a superior view. The following anatomical structures are shown: (1) abducens nerve (2) trigeminal nerve (3) vertebral artery (4) AICA (5) labyrinthine artery (6) facial nerve (7) vestibulocochlear nerve. Figure adapted from the publication by Haidara et al. 2013. DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9136-13

Endoscopic view of the cerebellopontine angle showing the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII), facial nerve (CN VII), and internal acoustic meatus with the labyrinthine artery.