The medial opticocarotid recess: an anatomic study of an endoscopic "key landmark" for the ventral cranial base.

Background: The medial opticocarotid recess (MOCR) has become an important landmark for endoscopic approaches to the cranial base.

Objective: To examine the anatomy of the MOCR and outline its role as a "key landmark" for approaches to the sellar and suprasellar regions.

Methods: Ten silicone-injected cadaveric specimens and 96 dry crania were examined.