Background: The jugular foramen is a large foramen in the base of the skull. It transmits important
vascular and nervous structures. Understanding of normal dimensions of this foramen is necessary and of great help
to neurosurgeon while approaching this foramen. Aim: To study the morphometric analysis and anatomical
variations of jugular foramen in Egyptian dry skulls. Materials and methods: One hundred skulls of unknown sex
were studied morphologically. The shape was observed. Antero-posterior and medio-lateral diameters were
measured by digital vernier caliper. Detection of presence or absence of dome and septations was done. Statistical
analysis: The mean, standard deviation (SD) and range of dimensions was computerized. Comparison between two
sides was made using student’s t-test. Results: Oval shaped foramen was common (70%), round shaped foramen
(30%). Dome was bilateral in 79%, unilateral in 21%. Septation was in 97% of foramina. Complete septation
bilaterally in 25% of, unilateral in40%. While partial septation was in 32%. Absence of septation in 3%. AP
diameter (right - 6.8 ± 2.39 mm, left -5.4 ± 1.58 mm) and was side insignificant difference. ML diameter (right –
17.2 ± 4.6mm, left –14.6 ± 2.07mm) and was significantly higher on the right side. Conclusion: This study
demonstrated that the right is dominance in the parameters of the foramen. Presence of septation and dome are more
frequent. The oval shape foramen is common. Good imaging of the foramen preoperative is recommended to avoid
injury of its contents due to foramen variability.
[Samia M. Manawy and Eman A. El-Sawa. Study the anatomical variation of the Jugular Foramen in Egyptian
dry skulls (Morphological and Morphometric studies). J Am Sci 2019;15(5):17-25]. ISSN 1545-1003 (print);
ISSN 2375-7264 (online). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 4. doi:10.7537/marsjas150519.04.