Foramen (Noun)
Meaning
A natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The foramen magnum is the largest opening in the skull, allowing the spinal cord to connect with the brain.
- The ilioinguinal nerve passes through the superficial inguinal ring, a foramen in the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.
- The foramen ovale is a natural opening in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone that allows the mandibular nerve to pass through.
- During the surgery, the neurosurgeon carefully avoided damaging the foramina of the vertebrae to minimize the risk of nerve damage.
- The jugular foramen is an opening in the temporal bone that allows the jugular vein and certain nerves to pass from the cranial cavity to the neck.