Petrosal fossula

Last revised by Francis Deng on 8 Dec 2020

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Deng F, Petrosal fossula. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-84881

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-84881

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/84881

rID:

84881

Article created:

8 Dec 2020, Francis Deng ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.

View Francis Deng's current disclosures

Last revised:

8 Dec 2020, Francis Deng ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.

View Francis Deng's current disclosures

Revisions:

2 times, by 1 contributor - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Head & Neck

Sections:

Anatomy

Tags:

stub

Synonyms:

Fossula petrosa
Fossula of petrous ganglion
Receptaculum ganglii petrosi

The petrosal fossula refers to a small depression on the inferior surface of the petrous temporal bone. It is located in the ridge between the jugular fossa and external opening of the carotid canal. The petrosal fossula houses the inferior (petrous) ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve (origin of Jacobson nerve) and superiorly gives rise to the (inferior) tympanic canaliculus ^1,2. The structure may be considered part of pars nervosa of the jugular foramen ³.

The petrosal fossula is distinct from and located below the external opening of the cochlear aqueduct ^4,5, which in turn arises from the pyramidal fossa, the part of the roof of the jugular foramen that covers the pars nervosa ⁶.