jugular foramen
The jugular foramen is an opening located at the base of the skull, specifically between the temporal and occipital bones. It serves as a passageway for important structures, including the internal jugular vein, which drains blood from the brain, and several cranial nerves, such as cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal), cranial nerve X (vagus), and cranial nerve XI (accessory).
This foramen plays a crucial role in the nervous and circulatory systems. The internal jugular vein collects deoxygenated blood from the brain and neck, while the cranial nerves that pass through it are essential for various functions, including swallowing, heart rate regulation, and neck movement.