Jugular fossa
Fossa jugularis
Definition
The jugular fossa is a deep hollow on the underside of the petrous part of the temporal bone. It forms the outer portion of the jugular foramen and is divided from the inner section, known as the petrosal fossa, by the intrajugular process. Situated behind the entrance of the carotid canal, the jugular fossa is set apart from the canal by a bony ridge that houses the inferior tympanic canaliculus’ opening. The jugular fossa serves as an enclosure for the bulb of the internal jugular vein. Along the fossa’s lateral wall, there’s a minor bony passage called the mastoid canaliculus, through which the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve passes.
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 37: External and Middle Ear’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 625 (Fig. 37.1) & pp. 626.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 28: Intracranial region’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 431.
