Condylar fossa
Fossa condylaris
- Latin synonym: Fossa condyloidea; Fossa condylica
Definition
The condylar fossa is a shallow bony depression located behind each occipital condyle. Occasionally, this depression might have a tiny opening for the condylar canal, also known as the posterior condylar canal. This canal enables an emissary vein from the sigmoid sinus to pass through.
When the head is tilted in a hyperextended position, the condylar fossa cradles the rear edge of the superior facet of the atlas.
__________________________________________________________________
Text written 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. 422.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 43: Back’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 713.
