The jugular tubercle (of occipital bone
) is a rounded prominence
/oval elevation
upon the superior (i.e. internal
) surface of the
occipital condyle
The occipital condyles are undersurface protuberances of the occipital bone in vertebrates, which function in articulation with the superior facets of the Atlas (anatomy), atlas vertebra.
The condyles are oval or reniform (kidney-shaped) in shape ...
at the junction of the
basilar part and
lateral part of the occipital bone, just medial to the
jugular foramen
A jugular foramen is one of the two (left and right) large foramina (openings) in the base of the skull, located behind the carotid canal. It is formed by the temporal bone and the occipital bone. It allows many structures to pass, including the ...
on either side of the
foramen magnum
The foramen magnum () is a large, oval-shaped opening in the occipital bone of the skull. It is one of the several oval or circular openings (foramina) in the base of the skull. The spinal cord, an extension of the medulla oblongata, passes thro ...
.
It overlies (i.e. is situated superior to
) the
hypoglossal canal
The hypoglossal canal is a foramen in the occipital bone of the skull. It is hidden medially and superiorly to each occipital condyle. It transmits the hypoglossal nerve.
Structure
The hypoglossal canal lies in the epiphyseal junction between ...
and is situated anterosuperior to the internal opening of this canal.
The
glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX),
vagus (CN X), and
accessory (CN XI) pass across the posterior portion of the jugular tubercle to reach the jugular foramen.
References
External links
*
Diagram at wayne.edu
Bones of the head and neck
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