Right anterolateral view of contents of jugular foramen. Bone of the lower right occipital bone and adjacent parts of the petrous temporal bone have been removed to expose the contents of the jugular foramen. The right upper border shows the emergence of nerves from the lateral medulla in rostral to caudal sequence - the glossopharyngeal (CNIX), vagus (CNX), and spinal accessory (CNXI) - and their exit from the jugular foramen. The internal jugular vein is also present. The internal carotid artery is shown entering the carotid canal. The hypoglossal (CNXII) nerve is shown entering and exiting the hypoglossal canal. The ascending pharyngeal artery, a small diameter branch of the external carotid artery, is also shown. It commonly divides into jugular and hypoglossal divisions. Each passes through corresponding foramina to supply associated cranial nerves and intracranial dura mater. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)