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]
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.
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]