Magnified left anterior lateral view of jugular foramen region. Bone of the lower clivus and adjacent parts of the occipital bone have been removed. A portion of the medulla is in view, including the left vertebral artery and anterior spinal branches. Along the rostral lateral medulla emerge in sequence the glossopharyngeal (CNIX), vagus (CNX), and spinal accessory (CNXI) nerves. These nerves converge on the jugular foramen. Rootlets of the hypoglossal (CNXII) nerve can be seen exiting the medulla enroute to the hypoglossal canal. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)