In anatomy and osteology, a foramen (/fəˈrmən/;[1][2] pl.: foramina, /fəˈræmɪnə/ or foramens /fəˈrmənz/) is an opening or enclosed gap within the dense connective tissue (bones and deep fasciae) of extant and extinct amniote animals, typically to allow passage of nerves, arteries, veins or other soft tissue structures (e.g. muscle tendon) from one body compartment to another.

Skull

The skulls of vertebrates have foramina through which nerves, arteries, veins, and other structures pass. The human skull has many foramina, collectively referred to as the cranial foramina. [3]

Spine

Within the vertebral column (spine) of vertebrates, including the human spine, each bone has an opening at both its top and bottom to allow nerves, arteries, veins, etc. to pass through.

Other

See also

References

  1. OED 2nd edition, 1989.
  2. Entry "foramen" in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
  3. "Cranial Foramina - Foramen Ovale - Skull - TeachMeAnatomy". teachmeanatomy.info. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
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