RESUMO
The anatomical relations of the jugular fossa with the vertical portion of the facial canal, the posterior cranial fossa and the tympanic ring were surveyed in 100 adults, skulls(57 males, 43 females); the dimensions of the jugular fossa were measured. The depth of the jugular fossais 7.73?0.33(2.0-1.52mm) at left, 9.47 ? 0.34mm(2.8-19.0mm) at right. The thickness of the bony plate separating the jugular fossa from the vertical partion of the facial canal is 2.77 ?0.17(1.5-2.8mm) at left, 2.33?0.17mm(1.0-2.9mm) at right. The top of the jugular fossa above the tympnic ring level is accounted for 35% at left, 62.24% at right. In these surveys, some anatomical variances were observed. These data can give the reference to the clinicians in the operations of the facial nerve and the jugular bulb.