A vidian refers to structures associated with the vidian canal (also known as the pterygoid canal), most notably the vidian nerve and vidian artery, which pass through it. The vidian canal itself is a bony passage in the sphenoid bone.
Here's a breakdown:
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Vidian Canal (Pterygoid Canal): A bony canal located within the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. Its anterior opening sits inferomedial to the foramen rotundum. It connects the pterygoid fossa with the foramen lacerum.
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Vidian Nerve (Nerve of the Pterygoid Canal): Formed by the joining of the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve carrying parasympathetic fibers) and the deep petrosal nerve (carrying sympathetic fibers from the internal carotid plexus). The vidian nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers destined for the pterygopalatine ganglion.
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Vidian Artery (Artery of the Pterygoid Canal): A small artery accompanying the vidian nerve through the pterygoid canal. It's a branch of the internal maxillary artery.
In summary, "vidian" refers to the anatomy related to the vidian canal, primarily the vidian nerve and vidian artery that traverse this bony passage.
