A tumour at the jugular foramen causes loss of sensation over the posterior third of the tongue and palate, combined with paralysis of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius. Which set of structures traverses the jugular foramen together?

• A CN VII, CN VIII and the labyrinthine artery
• B CN IX, CN X, CN XI and the sigmoid sinus continuing as the internal jugular vein ✓
• C CN IX, CN X and the superior petrosal sinus
• D CN X, CN XII and the ascending pharyngeal artery

Explanation

The jugular foramen transmits the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves along with the inferior petrosal and sigmoid sinuses, the latter becoming the internal jugular vein. Loss of taste and general sensation from the posterior third of the tongue indicates glossopharyngeal involvement, and accessory nerve injury explains the shoulder weakness. Option A describes the internal acoustic meatus, and the hypoglossal nerve in option D leaves through its own canal.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.