The lower clivus is the part from the glossopharyngeal nerve to the foramen magnum. This part is bounded anteriorly by the lower nasopharynx and retropharyngeal tissues, posteriorly by the vertebral artery and medulla, and laterally by the sigmoid sinus, jugular bulb, and cranial nerves IX to XII.

What is the purpose of the clivus?

The clivus is an important landmark for checking for anatomical atlanto-occipital alignment; the clivus, when viewed on a lateral C-spine X-ray, forms a line which, if extended, is known as Wackenheim's clivus line. Wackenheim's clivus line should pass through the dens of the axis or be tangential to it.

What is the meaning of clivus?

(KLY-vus) A bone at the base of the skull, near the spine. Tumors, such as chordomas and chondrosarcomas, may form on the clivus. Enlarge. Anatomy of the spine.