Glaser Fissure, Huguier Canal, and Civinini Canal: A Confused Eponymical Imbroglio

Abstract

Huguier canal or Civinini canal is a canaliculus in the Glaser fissure allowing the exit of the chorda tympani from the tympanic cavity. The aim of this study is to try to put some order in the origins and relations of these different eponyms, and to evaluate their pertinence in the actual anatomical terminology. This study demonstrates that Huguier and Civinini are not the first to describe this canal in the 1830s. Furthermore, it confirms that Glaser does not describe the related fissure in 1680. In conclusion, Glaser, Civinini, and Huguier no longer have a place in the actual anatomical nomenclature of the fine details of the temporal bone. To avoid confusion and errors, they must be replaced by anterior canaliculus for the chorda tympani and petrotympanic fissure.