Anterior coronal view of nasopharyngeal region and lower clivus. The pharyngotympanic tubes projecting into the lateral wall of the nasopharynx have been retracted to allow views of the openings of the hypoglossal canal and jugular foramen. The hypoglossal nerve emerges from the canal, while the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and spinal accessory nerves, and the internal jugular vein exit the jugular foramen. The internal carotid artery ascends anteromedial to the internal jugular vein, which is obscured in this view. The nerve of the pterygoid canal (Vidian) can be seen within its canal just lateral to the vomer bone. The foramen rotundum, located superolateral to the pterygoid canal, transmits the maxillary nerve. Both nerves will enter the posterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa. The mandibular nerve and several of its branches are shown descending into the infratemporal fossae. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)