Objective To explore the role of the computerized 3D reconstruction in studying the anatomy of the jugular foramen. Methods Plastination was used to make equidistant serial thin sections with 1^2*!mm in thickness.A SGI workstation was employed to reconstruct the jugular foramen and relative structures in three-dimensions. Results The computerized 3D-reconstruction could clearly display the important nerves and vessels of the jugular foramen,delineate the relationships between the internal carotid artery,internal jugular vein,the bundle of glossopharyngeal,vagus and accessory nerve and the skull base.All structures reconstructed can be represented individually or jointly and rotated continuously in any plane.Any diameter and angle of the structures reconstructed could be measured conveniently.Conclusion The computerized 3D-reconstruction possesses important value in studying the anatomy of the jugular foramen.