Applied anatomy of medial wall of the glomus jugulare

Abstract

Objective To study the anatomical features of medial wall of the glomus jugulare to provide the theoretical direction for surgery of the glomus jugulare. Methods Fifteen (30 sides)formalin-fixed adult cadaveric specimens were dissected under the operating microscope, and their structural features of the medial wall of the glomus jugulare and their anastomosis of nerves were observed; and 5 dry skull specimen were also employed to observe the bone landmark of medial wall of the glomus jugulare. Results The medial wall of the glomus jugulare is composed of endocranial opening of the jugular foramen, jugular process of the temporal bone and occipital bone, cerebral dura mater and the Ⅸ, Ⅹ and Ⅺ cranial nerves. A curve line was marked on medial wall of the glomus jugulare, finding that the cranial nerves and the cerebral dura mater are at the anteroinferior position and the posterior-up part is composed of the well of the jugular vein adhered to the petrous bone and cerebral dura mater. Cranial nerve Ⅸ travels at the anterosuperior part of its own fibrous sheath and the inferior petrosal sinus ostium separates it from cranial nerves Ⅹ and Ⅺ; cerebral dura mater separates the cranial nerves Ⅸ and Ⅹ. The cranial nerve Ⅹ and the accessory nerve are closely related. Interval of cerebral dura mater between cranial nerve Ⅸ and Ⅹ is clearly seen in 86.67％ (26/30) patients and illegible in 13.33％ (4/30). Hypoglossal canal travels of the bottom of the medial wall of the glomus jugulare. Conclusion The medial wall of the glomus jugulare is composed of endocranial opening of the jugular foramen,jugular process of the temporal bone and occipital bone, cerebral dura mater and the Ⅸ, Ⅹ and Ⅺ cranial nerves, and this information can help the clinicians during the operations of the jugulare foramen, so that the operation complications can be reduced. Key words: Glomus jugulare; Cranial nerve; Applied anatomy