Paracondylar foramen--a new anomalous aperture of the occipital bone

A new anomalous apperture has been identified by the author in association with the occipital bone. It was situated in the interval between the jugular fossa and the occipital condyles. Out of 118 skull bases examined four instances of this anomalous apperture were found (2 complete and 2 incomplete). The author speculates that they may transmitting the posterior condylar emissary vein in the absence of the condylar canal or in its abrrent course to the jugular foramen. In view of its topographical location the author proposes the name--'Paracondylar foramen' to this anomalous apperture.