■ OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to report the results of our study of anatomical variations and relations of the middle ear on the large collections of the temporal bones. special attention was paid to the structures and landmarks which are importan for cochlear implanatation (CI).

■ RESULTS: We found numerous variations in the course of the facial nerve trough its mastoid segment. It is important that nerve bifurcation distal to the second genus was found in two cases. Dehiscence in the bony covering of the facial nerve were observed adjacent to the facial recess. In the area of the attic we described the morphological variations of the medial and lateral parts and their communication with other spaces of the middle ear. the both compartment of the attic showed variations in the shape and dimensions, depending upon the position of the ossicula (the body of the incus and the head of the malleus) in relations to the walls, the degree of the prominence of the lateral semicircular canal and the course of the tympanic part of the facial canal.

■ CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the morphological relations and variations is important for classical and alternatives surgical approaches for cochlear implantation.