The petro-occipital fissure, also known as the petro-occipital cleft or petro-occipital hiatus, is a bony structure located at the base of the skull. This fissure is formed at the junction of the petrous part of the temporal bone and the occipital bone. The petro-occipital fissure contains important structures such as the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, the internal jugular vein, and the accessory nerve. Alternate names for this anatomical structure include the foramen jugulare, the jugular foramen, and the jugular hiatus. The petro-occipital fissure plays a vital role in the transmission of different nerves and vessels to the neck, head, and brain.