Foramen
Foramen
Foramen (pronunciation: /fəˈreɪmən/), from the Latin foramen meaning "opening, hole, or orifice", is a term used in anatomy to describe a natural opening or hole in a bone or other body structure.
Etymology
The term foramen is derived from the Latin word forare, which means "to bore" or "to pierce". This reflects the function of a foramen as a passage or opening in the body.
Types of Foramen
There are numerous types of foramen in the human body, each serving a unique function. Some of the most notable include:
- Foramen Magnum: The largest foramen, located in the base of the skull, through which the spinal cord passes.
- Foramen Ovale: An opening in the fetal heart, which closes shortly after birth.
- Foramen Spinale: Small openings in the vertebrae for nerve roots.
- Foramen Transversarium: Openings in the cervical vertebrae for the passage of the vertebral artery.
Related Terms
- Fossa: A shallow depression or hollow in a bone.
- Meatus: A natural body passage or canal.
- Canal: A tubular passage or channel which connects different parts of the body.
- Hiatus: An opening, gap, or cleft in an anatomical structure.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Foramen
- Wikipedia's article - Foramen
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