Posterior border of petrous part
Margo posterior partis petrosae
- Latin synonym: Angulus posterior pyramidis
Definition
The posterior border of petrous part marks the end of its posterior surface. This border is divided into two sections: the inner and outer half:
The inner (medial) half joins with the basilar part of the occipital bone, creating a channel for the inferior petrosal sinus. This venous sinus drains the blood from the cavernous sinus to the sigmoid sinus below.
The outer (lateral) half of the posterior border of petrous part presents an irregular excavation called the jugular notch. It works in tandem with the jugular notch of the occipital bone to form the boundary of the jugular foramen. At times, a bone spur stemming from the jugular notch of the petrous part may partition the jugular foramen into a bifurcated space.
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Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS and reviewed by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 27: External Skull’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 423.
