The jugular foramen is a large foramen (aperture) in the base of the skull. It is located behind the carotid canal and is formed in front by the petrous portion of the temporal bone, and behind by the occipital bone; it is generally larger on the right than on the left side.Jugular foramenBase of the skull. Upper surface. The jugular foramen is a large foramen (aperture) in the base of the skull. It is located behind the carotid canal and is formed in front by the petrous portion of the temporal bone, and behind by the occipital bone; it is generally larger on the right than on the left side.