Morphological variability of the jugular foramen: a comprehensive anatomical-imaging study emphasizing its compartmentalization.

Abstract

The jugular foramen (JF) is a structurally complex region of the skull base with critical neurosurgical relevance. This anatomical imaging study aimed to investigate the morphological variability of the JF by analyzing both its intracranial and extracranial orifices using a combination of osteological assessment and computed tomography (CT) scans.A total of 200 adult skulls (100 dried specimens and 100 CT scans) were examined bilaterally. The JF was classified based on the presence, number, and completeness of intrajugular processes (IJPs). Morphometric measurements of horizontal and transverse diameters were performed, and statistical analyses were used to evaluate differences by sex, laterality, and between the intracranial and extracranial aspects.IJPs were significantly more common in the intracranial orifice (41%) compared to the extracranial (19.5%), with type 1a (incomplete septation) being the most frequent. A right-sided predominance was observed for intracranial JF dimensions (p = 0.036), while no significant sex-related differences were found. The morphometric analysis revealed that JF compartments became progressively narrower with an increasing number of IJPs. A moderate positive correlation was found between intracranial and extracranial measurements (B = + 0.357, p < 0.001).This study provides a detailed anatomical and radiological analysis of JF variability, emphasizing its clinical implications for skull base surgery. The findings highlight the importance of preoperative imaging in identifying IJP-related compartmentalization, which may impact surgical planning and risk assessment. Future research should aim to better correlate bony septations with neurovascular content to define their relevance in both surgical and pathological contexts. Clinical trial number Not applicable.