Jugular foramen

Behind the carotid canal is the jugular foramen, a large aperture, formed in front by the petrous portion of the temporal, and behind by the occipital; it is generally larger on the right than on the left side, and may be subdivided into three compartments.


 * The anterior compartment transmits the inferior petrosal sinus.
 * The intermediate transmits the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves.
 * The posterior transmits the transverse sinus and some meningeal branches from the occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries.