Right posterior view of the vestibulocochlear nerve complex following apex petrosectomy and transcochlear bone removal. The internal auditory canal has been resected and the facial nerve mobilized and reflected medially. Its cisternal, meatal, labyrinthine, and tympanic segments are in view along with the geniculate ganglion. This provides a clear view of the cochlear nerve into the cochlea and branches of the vestibular nerve. Medial traction of the brainstem provides a view of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and cranial root of the spinal accessory nerves in their rostral-caudal sequence. Portions of the anterior and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries and the superior cerebellar artery can also be observed. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)