Caudal cranial fossa
Fossa cranii caudalis
Definition
The caudal cranial fossa forms the base of the cerebellar cavity and contains the cerebellum and brainstem. It extends from the sphenooccipital crest and the crest of the petrous part of the temporal bone to the foramen magnum.
The clivus forms within the dorsal and excavated portion of the basilar part of the occipital bone.
Caudally, on each side, is the opening of the hypoglossal nerve canal, and rostrally, various other openings are located, such as the jugular foramen and the foramen ovale.
Variation:
In dogs and cattle, a vascular opening is present lateral to the clivus.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
