The stapedial artery is a rare anomaly in man. However, an undetected persistence of the artery may cause problems during middle ear surgery. The studies on its course are inadequate. The aim of the present paper is to describe the course of the stapedial artery in rats, through an examination under a dissection microscope.

The stapedial artery is a rare anomaly in man. However, an undetected persistence of the artery may cause problems during middle ear surgery. The studies on its course are inadequate. The aim of the present paper is to describe the course of the stapedial artery in rats, through an examination under a dissection microscope.