Vertebral foramen
Vertebral Foramen
The vertebral foramen (pronounced: ver-te-bral fo-ramen) is a significant anatomical structure in the vertebral column.
Etymology
The term "vertebral foramen" is derived from the Latin words "vertebra", meaning joint, and "foramen", meaning opening or hole.
Definition
The vertebral foramen is the large opening in the center of each vertebra through which the spinal cord and its protective membranes pass. It is surrounded by the vertebral body and the vertebral arch.
Structure
The vertebral foramen is formed by the pedicles and laminae of the vertebra. The size and shape of the vertebral foramen vary depending on the location within the vertebral column. In the cervical region, the foramen is large and triangular, while in the thoracic region, it is smaller and round. In the lumbar region, the foramen is larger and more oval.
Function
The primary function of the vertebral foramen is to protect the spinal cord and provide a pathway for spinal nerves and blood vessels.
Related Terms
- Vertebra: The individual bones that stack to form the vertebral column.
- Spinal Cord: The long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column.
- Vertebral Arch: The posterior part of a vertebra that encloses the vertebral foramen.
- Vertebral Column: Also known as the spine, it is a column usually consisting of 24 articulating vertebrae and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vertebral foramen
- Wikipedia's article - Vertebral foramen
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