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AnatomyHead and neckSkullJugular foramen
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AnatomyHead and neckSkullJugular foramen

Jugular foramen

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Inferior view of the base of the skull [23:24]
Structures seen on the inferior view of the base of the skull.
Jugular foramen
Foramen jugulare
1/12
Synonyms: none

The jugular foramen is a large, irregularly shaped opening between the temporal and occipital bones. Specifically, it is formed between the jugular fossa of the petrous part of the temporal bone and the jugular process of the occipital bone. It is found lateral to the foramen magnum and posterior to the carotid canal. 

It contains a notch, the intrajugular process, which divides the foramen into a larger posterolateral compartment and a smaller anteromedial compartment. It transmits the inferior petrosal sinus, internal jugular vein and three cranial nerves: glossopharyngeal (CNIX), vagus (CNX) and the descending part of the spinal accessory (CNXI) nerve.

Terminology English: Jugular foramen
Latin: Foramen jugulare
Location Between the temporal and occipital bones
Function Transmits the inferior petrosal sinus, internal jugular vein and the glossopharyngeal (CNIX), vagus (CNX) and spinal accessory (CNXI) nerves

Learn more about the foramina of the skull with this study unit:

Cranial fossae Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Marieb, E., & Hoehn, K. (2022). Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition. (12th ed.). Pearson Education, Limited.

Standring, S., Anand, N., & Tunstall, R. (2021). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice (Forty-second edition). Elsevier.

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