Foramen Magnum

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Foramen Magnum

The Foramen Magnum (/fəˈreɪmən ˈmæɡnəm/; from Latin, meaning "great hole") is one of the most significant features of the human skull.

Etymology

The term "Foramen Magnum" is derived from Latin, where "Foramen" means hole or opening, and "Magnum" means great. Thus, the term literally translates to "great hole".

Definition

The Foramen Magnum is the largest foramen (opening) in the skull through which the brain connects to the spinal cord. It is located in the occipital bone, the trapezoid-shaped bone at the lower back of the cranium, the part of the skull that encloses the brain.

Function

The primary function of the Foramen Magnum is to allow passage of the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem, as it exits the skull vault and becomes the spinal cord. In addition to the medulla oblongata, the Foramen Magnum also allows passage for the vertebral arteries, the meninges (protective layers of the brain and spinal cord), and the spinal component of the accessory nerve.

Related Terms

  • Occipital Bone: The bone that houses the Foramen Magnum.
  • Medulla Oblongata: The part of the brain that passes through the Foramen Magnum.
  • Vertebral Arteries: The arteries that pass through the Foramen Magnum.
  • Meninges: The protective layers of the brain and spinal cord that pass through the Foramen Magnum.
  • Accessory Nerve: The nerve that passes through the Foramen Magnum.

External links

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