Abstract
Wenzel Leopold Gruber and Primo Dorello were great anatomists and researchers during
the 19th and 20th centuries. Their contributions to neuroanatomy—namely the Gruber's
(petrosphenoidal) ligament and Dorello's canal, respectively—have come to be important
structures in various approaches through the middle fossa. These structures have also
helped provide us with an understanding of the mechanism of sixth nerve paresis in
various pathological conditions, such as raised intracranial pressure and Gradenigo
syndrome. Their numerous publications have stood as a reference to anatomical researchers.
Gruber's description of internal mesogastric hernia and the Meckel-Gruber anastomosis
are also widely known in medical literature. The following article is an attempt to
reflect upon the life and works of Gruber and Dorello and the importance of their
research.
Keywords
Dorello - Gruber - petrosphenoidal ligament - abducens nerve
