"posterior canaliculus: after originating, the chorda tympani courses superiorly back into the tympanic cavity to the level of the manubrium/neck of malleus. The distance of ascent is variable, depending on the initial branching pattern from the mastoid segment of facial nerve"
Expected headings
"Gross anatomy"
"branch from mastoid segment of facial nerve: the branching site can be variable from either the proximal, mid- or distal mastoid segment of facial nerve; occasionally the chorda tympani can even branch off from the facial nerve after exiting the stylomastoid foramen"
"tympanic segment is the segment of chorda tympani as it traverses the middle ear cavity between the malleus and incus in a posteroanterior direction; not visible with current imaging techniques"