condylar canal , auch: condyloid canal
canalis condylaris latin

Bilateral condylar canals (arrows) above the vertebral arteries.

The occipital emissary vein is a small emissary vein which passes through the condylar canal.

The anteriomedial wall of the condylar canal thickens to join the foramen magnum rim and connect to the occipital condyle.

The condylar canal (or condyloid canal) is a canal in the condyloid fossa of the lateral parts of occipital bone behind 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.

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.