Morphology and compartmentation of the jugular foramen in adult Indian skulls.
OBJECTIVE
Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the jugular foramen is vital for a favorable surgical outcome in technically challenging operations of this region. Various reports about the compartmentation of this foramen and the contents passing through them have come up with conflicting observations.


METHODS
As many as 116 dry, adult skulls were utilized to study the morphology and the compartmentation of the jugular foramen.


RESULTS
The study demonstrates and describes the precise location and frequency of occurrence of processes bridging the foramen and clarifies the existing ambiguity and confusion regarding the compartmentation and the contents passing through. A comprehensive classification for the bridging pattern and compartmentation of the jugular foramen is suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
This information will be of help to the clinicians for understanding clinical presentations and progression of the lesions of the jugular foramen region and planning for the operations.
Athavale
Sunita Arvind
SA
Department of Anatomy, KVG Medical College, D.K. District, Kurunjibag, Sullia, Karnataka, 574327, India. arvindat@rediffmail.com
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D005930:Glossopharyngeal Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000294:innervation; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology