Morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum and jugular foramen in adult skulls in southern Nigerian population

Abstract

A morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum and jugular foramen of adult skulls in southern Nigeria was carried out to demonstrate the anatomical variations in morphology. A total number of 120 dry skulls were used for this study. Measurements were performed by using a digital vernier caliper to span across the lengths and widths of the two foramina. Results revealed that the mean length and width of the foramen magnum was 36.11±0.24mm and 29.65± 0.24mm respectively. The mean length of the right and left jugular foramen was 15.76±0.22mm and 13.39±0.23mm respectively, while the mean width of the right and left jugular foramen was 9.34±0.18mm and 7.54±0.20mm respectively. There was a significant difference between the right and the left jugular foramen. The right jugular foramen was found to be larger than the left in Southern Nigeria.