A rare variation of the dural jugular septum: a cadaveric case report

The jugular foramen (JF) is a passage formed at the skull base between the petrosal part of the temporal bone and the occipital bone. This passage is important because it contains neurovascular structures such as cranial nerves IX, X, and XI, internal jugular vein and ascending pharyngeal artery. In this passage, the dura mater forms dural septums that surround, protect and separate the structures. Dural septa can separate structures individually as well as by grouping them with different variations. In this case, a dural septum separating the cranial nerve IX from the cranial nerves X and XI was found in the JF during routine head dissection of a 74-year-old male cadaver. In surgical procedures to be planned in this region, it will be useful for clinicians to know the variations of the septum due to its interaction with other anatomical structures.