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Introduction to Acoustic Neuromas
The Internal Auditory Canal
The internal auditory canal is a small bony canal about 0.4 to 2.0 cm. in length. It is the conduit for the 8th cranial nerve, the 7th cranial nerve and for blood vessels as they pass from the inner ear to the brainstem. As an acoustic neuroma grows, it may protrude from the internal auditory canal into the cerebellopontine angle, a fluid filled space which is located behind the temporal bone. This space provides the tumor with room to grow up to 3-4 cm. before it touches any important brain structures.
