Jugular fossa

The jugular fossa is a deep depression in the inferior part of the temporal bone at the base of the skull. It lodges the bulb of the internal jugular vein.

Jugular fossa
Base of the skull. Inferior surface. Jugular fossa labeled in purple near center.
View of the inner wall of the tympanum. (Jugular fossa visible at bottom.)
Details
Part oftemporal bone of skull
Identifiers
Latinfossa jugularis ossis temporalis
TA98A02.1.06.041
TA2678
FMA56429
Anatomical terms of bone

Structure

The jugular fossa is located in the temporal bone, posterior to the carotid canal and the cochlear aqueduct.

In the bony ridge dividing the carotid canal from the jugular fossa is the small inferior tympanic canaliculus for the passage of the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve.[1]

In the lateral part of the jugular fossa is the mastoid canaliculus for the entrance of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.[1]

Behind the jugular fossa is a quadrilateral area, the jugular surface, covered with cartilage in the fresh state, and articulating with the jugular process of the occipital bone.[1]

Variation

The jugular fossa has variable depth and size in different skulls.

Function

The jugular fossa lodges the bulb of the internal jugular vein.[1]

Clinical significance

Abnormally shaped jugular fossae may cause ear problems.[2] If it lies close to the cochlea, it may cause tinnitus.[2] A high jugular fossa may be linked to Ménière's disease.[2]

See also

Additional images
  • Left temporal bone. Inferior surface. (Label for jugular fossa at left, sixth from bottom.)
    Left temporal bone. Inferior surface. (Label for jugular fossa at left, sixth from bottom.)
  • Temporal bone
    Temporal bone

References
  1. Public domain One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text in the public domain from page 144 of  the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
  2. Wadin, K.; Thomander, L.; Wilbrand, H. (1986-11-01). "Effects of a High Jugular Fossa and Jugular Bulb Diverticulum on the Inner Ear: A Clinical and Radiologic Investigation". Acta Radiologica. Diagnosis. 27 (6): 629–636. doi:10.1177/028418518602700603. ISSN 0567-8056.
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