Jugular Fossa

The jugular fossa (fossa jugularis) is one of the most prominent anatomical structures on the human neck. It is located on the front surface of the neck, just below and to the side of the jugular notch of the sternum.

The jugular fossa is an important anatomical landmark as it is in close proximity to important blood vessels and nerves such as the jugular vein, vagus nerve, and subclavian artery. In addition, the jugular fossa can serve as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the sternohyoid ligament.

Depending on the position of the head and neck, the jugular fossa may be visible or hidden. However, in most cases, this fossa is clearly visible and can be used to locate other anatomical structures in the neck.

It is important to note that the jugular fossa is not exclusively a medical anatomical structure, but can also be used as an aesthetic reference point in cosmetic surgeries and plastic procedures on the neck and face.

Thus, the jugular fossa is an important anatomical landmark in the neck that can be used for both medical and cosmetic purposes.

The jugular fossa is located under the sternum and is a depression through which the jugular vein passes, also called “jugular” by its Latin name. The term "jugular" is used to distinguish this anatomical structure from the fossae of other structures. Also in this area are other important vessels and nerves. The jugular cavity is characterized by its shape and size. There are several parameters that determine its shape: - Depth. Its depth is measured by the distance between the base of the sternum (sternum) and the upper end of the fossa. Its average length is about 3.8 cm (may vary from person to person). - Width. The width of the transition point between the jugular cavity and the chest. It begins just below the sternum, where the jugular venous cavity passes through the chest wall, and continues for some distance to the upper edge of the sternum. The average width of the jugular cavity is approximately 5 cm. The wall of the cavity consists of four layers: 1. The medullary layer - a thin layer consisting of the dura mater, passes over and around the ascending aorta, brachial and infraclavicular plexus on the upper surface. This layer contains openings for blood vessels and nerves. 2. Femoral muscle - The wall of this muscle contains openings for the femoral arterial branches. It helps protect and support blood and nerve vessels during movement. 3. The axillary layer is a deep layer of muscle tissue that runs around the shoulders and underneath the anterior abdominal wall. Inside this muscle there are also openings for the axillary lymph nodes and the axillary artery. When applying the saphenous nerve, a deeper type of blockage can be felt here. 4. Depending on the depth and shape of the jugular fossa, very important procedures can be performed: - Cleaning of the submandibular tonsils (tonsils) with the help of an ENT doctor or dentist. Shunt surgery originating from the jugular vessel, necessary in the treatment of chronic heart failure, is considered one of the most common