Cross sectional study of morphometric aspects of the jugular foramen and jugular fossa in dry skulls

Introduction: Jugular foramen is most complex irregular bony canal. Many important nerves and vessels are passing through it. The foramen presents variations regarding shape, size and laterality for the same skull besides differences related to sex and race. Vesalius studied variations in shape and compartmentations. Many osteological, radiological and micro dissections studies tried to solved the mystery of partitions and variations of the foramen. Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional observational study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Laxmakkapally, Mulugu, Siddipet from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 60 dry human skulls were included in this study. The sample size was taken at conveniences. Only adult skulls (as identified by suture closure) were included in study. Broken or malformed skulls were excluded from study. Skulls with pathological or traumatic damage were also excluded. The measurements were made by two separate researchers to avoid observer error. The mean value of two researchers was considered finally. All the measurements were taken with the help of digital vernier caliper accurate to 0.01 mm. Results: Antero-posterior and transverse diameters of right jugular foramen were found to be more than left one. Complete septation of jugular foramen was observed in 1.67 % and 2.5 % skulls on right and left side respectively. Bony roof or dome of jugular fossa was observed in 30 %, 17.5 % and 16.67 % on the right side, the left side, and bilaterally respectively. In 10.83 % skulls, we found an accessory foramen connecting jugular foramen to anterior condylar canal. Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of various anomalies of jugular fossa and jugular foramen should be kept in mind while doing surgery by neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons. Radiologists also should keep these points in the mind while interpreting CT and MRI scans