Foramen Magnum (Noun)
Meaning
The large opening at the base of the cranium through which the spinal cord passes.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The foramen magnum is a vital structure in the skull, providing a passage for the spinal cord to connect with the brain.
- The location of the foramen magnum varies slightly between individuals, but it is typically situated in the lower part of the occipital bone.
- A compression or narrowing of the foramen magnum can put pressure on the spinal cord and brain stem, leading to a range of serious symptoms.
- In order to study the development of the nervous system, anatomists examine the formation of the foramen magnum in human embryos.
- In many animal species, including humans, the foramen magnum serves as the point of exit for the medulla oblongata from the skull.