Features of the structure of jugular fossa and jugular foramen

The shape and size of the jugular foramen (JFor) and jugular fossa (JFos) are related to the size of the internal jugular vein, which is of great interest to otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. The present study was aimed to examine the anatomy of the JFor and JFos of the 34 adult skulls of 20th century (68 JFos). In mesocrania JFos is more common bean-like (right – 45.5 %, left – 27.3 %) and close to oval shape (right – 9.1 %, left – 54.5 %), in brachykrania – oval one (right – 50.0 %, left – 47.6 %). The mean area of the right JFor exceeded the same indicator on the left side in 66.7 % of cases in mesocrania and brachycrania showed 72.7 % cases. Statistically significant predominance of the average volume of the right JFos compared to the left JFos was observed in mesocrania and brachycrania having the right JFos volume more than 0.4 ml. Moreover the left volume was reduced in brachycrania when compared with the similar index in mesocranium. The domed roof of JFos, indicating the presence of the upper bulb of the internal jugular vein was absent in 53.8 % of mesocrania and in 54.5 % of brachycrania.