Intrajugular process of occipital bone

The intrajugular process of occipital bone is a bony prominence located at the front or the top edge of the jugular foramen, formed by the petrous part of the temporal bone. This intrajugular process splits the jugular foramen into two sections. The posterolateral section is known as the sigmoid part because it receives the groove for the sigmoid sinus. The anteromedial section is called the petrous part and it receives a groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.

Unlike the sharp front edge where the intrajugular process is found, the rear or bottom edge of the jugular foramen is smooth. This smooth edge is created by the squamous portion of the occipital bone.