Foramen

/fəˈreɪ.mən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A natural opening or passage, especially in bone.

The foramen magnum is the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

An opening in a structure or organ that allows for the passage of nerves or blood vessels.

The vertebral foramen houses the spinal cord as it travels down the vertebral column.

Any small opening or hole in anatomy.

The mental foramen is located on the mandible and allows passage for the mental nerve and blood vessels.

In dental anatomy, any of the openings in the jawbone that houses the nerves and blood vessels.

The inferior alveolar nerve exits the mandible through the mandibular foramen.

A specific type of anatomical feature characterized by its function and location in various organisms.

In fishes, the foramen of the scapula serves as a joint between the shoulder girdle and the body.

From Latin foramen, meaning 'an opening, hole'

foramen magnum

The large opening at the base of the skull that allows the spinal cord to connect to the brain.

sacroiliac foramen

An opening in the sacrum through which nerves pass.

oval foramen

A recess in the heart that connects the two atria during fetal development.

foramina

Plural of foramen.

foraminal

Related to or resembling a foramen.

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