Hypoglossal canal
The hypoglossal canal is located between the occipital condyle and jugular tubercle and runs obliquely forwards (posteromedial to anterolateral) allowing the hypoglossal nerve (12th cranial nerve) to exit the posterior cranial fossa.
Its proximal portion is often divided by a fibrous septum, which can ossify, which separates the two roots of the hypoglossal nerve (these have formed by the convergence of numerous rootlets). These roots merge within the canal and a single nerve emerges.
