jugular foramen

anatomy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The jugular foramen is an opening in the base of the skull that allows for the passage of blood vessels and nerves. Specifically, it is where the internal jugular veins, which drain blood from the brain, face, and neck, exit the cranial cavity. Additionally, cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XI (spinal accessory) also pass through the jugular foramen as they leave the skull. This anatomical structure is crucial for venous return from the head and for the function of several important cranial nerves involved in swallowing, speech, and head and shoulder movement.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

human skeleton
Interior of the cranium
Through other openings, the jugular foramina, pass the large blood channels called the sigmoid sinuses and also the 9th (glossopharyngeal), 10th (vagus), and 11th (spinal accessory) cranial nerves as they leave the cranial cavity.
Read More
Through other openings, the jugular foramina, pass the large blood channels called the sigmoid sinuses and also the 9th (glossopharyngeal), 10th (vagus), and 11th (spinal accessory) cranial nerves as they leave the cranial cavity.
Read More