Abstract:Abstract: Objective To provide anatomic evidence for appropriate selection of the surgical approach to resect the lesions in the jugular foramen region via exposure of this region by different surgical approaches. Methods Twelve sides of six adult cadaveric heads were randomly assigned to three groups (groupA, B and C). The transcervicaltransmandibular (TCM) approach was used in the cadaveric heads of group A, the hypotympanic (HT) approach and modified hypotympanic (MHT) approach were used in the cadaveric heads of group B, and infratemporal fossa type A approach (ITFT A) and modified infratemporal fossa type A (MITFT A) approach were used in the cadaveric heads of group C. The exposures of the jugular foramen regions and their surrounding anatomic structures were compared among the abovementioned surgical approaches. Results The TCM approach offered a good view on the areas of extracranial part of the jugular foramen and the parapharyngeal space. The HT approach not only provided an excellent view on the areas of extracranial part of the jugular foramen and the parapharyngeal space similar to the TCM approach, but also provided a good anatomic view on the mastoid process, the vertical segment of sigmoid sinus, glomus jugular, and the pars nervosa of the jugular foramen. The ITFT A approach provided exquisite visualization on the abovementioned anatomic structures. Besides, this approach could further expose the deep area of the external auditory canal, middle ear cavity, and the vertical part of the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery. The MHT and MITFT A approaches proposed in this study not only provided a panoramic view on the all abovementioned anatomic structures, but also offered a better exposure in the areas of the horizontal segment of sigmoid sinus and pars vascularis of the jugular foramen. Conclusion The exposure levels of jugular foramen region varied in different surgical approaches. Therefore, the surgical approach should be selected according to the lesions of the jugular foramen, both to optimize the exposure and removal of the lesion and to minimize the traumatism of the anatomic structures.