Microsurgical anatomy of jugular foramen with lateral cervix approach

Aim:To study the course and configuration of nerve and vascular in the region of jugular foramen.Methods:The microsurgical anatomy of jugular foramen was observed in 10 fixed cadavers with each consisting of the whole head and neck and injected with latex. The jugular foramen was exposed step by step via the surgical approach of cervix-mastoid.Results:Jugular bulb was located in jugular foramen,which was the moving part between sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein,and possessed their characteristics; The glossopharyngeal nerve left skull through jugular foramen with fascia singly,which had space to the other(vagus nerve,accessory nerved and hypoglossal nerve).Conclusion:Knowing well of microsurgical anatomy of jugular foramen would be in favor of protecting the important nerve and vascular in surgery.