Condylar canal [Neurosurgery Wiki]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.

====== Condylar canal ======
The condylar canal (or condyloid canal) is a canal in the condyloid fossa of the lateral parts of [[occipital bone]] behind the [[occipital condyle]]. Resection of the rectus capitus posterior major and minor muscles reveals the bony recess leading to the condylar canal, which is situated posterior and lateral to the occipital condyle. It is immediately superior to the extradural vertebral artery, which makes a loop above the posterior C1 ring to enter the foramen magnum. The anteriomedial wall of the condylar canal thickens to join the foramen magnum rim and connect to the occipital condyle.

Through the condylar canal, the [[occipital emissary vein]] connects to the venous system including the suboccipital venous plexus, [[occipital sinus]] and [[sigmoid sinus]].

It is not always present, and can have variations of being a single canal or multiple smaller canals in cluster.