Cross-sectional anatomy of the jugular foramen

Objective: To provide the sectional anatomic data of the jugular foramen for imaging diagnosis and surgery. Methods: Seven adult cephalic specimens were sliced into 0.5～1.0 mm celloidin contiguous sections on transverse and coronal plane. Results: 1. At the intracranial portal of the foramen, the dura formed two perforations. However, there was no bony bridge or fibrous compartmentalization within the foramen. 2. The inferior petrosal sinus commonly drained into the jugular bulb. 3. The condylar emissary vein chiefly joined the connection of the internal jugular vein and the sigmoid sinus. 4. The venous plexus filling of the hypoglossal canal joined the inferior petrosal sinus and then terminated in the jugular bulb or the internal jugular vein. The hypoglossal nerve was located anteroinferiorly within the canal. 5. There was intimate anatomic correlation between the perpendicular segment of facial nerve and the jugular bulb. Conclusion: The thin sections of celloidin clearly delineated the anatomic details of the jugular foramen and their relationship, and provide valuable information to imaging diagnosis and surgery of this area.