Foramen magnum
Foramen Magnum
The Foramen Magnum (/fəˈreɪmən ˈmæɡnəm/; from Latin, meaning "great hole") is the largest foramen (opening) in the human skull. It is located in the occipital bone, at the base of the cranium, and allows passage of the spinal cord from the vertebral column to the brain.
Etymology
The term "Foramen Magnum" is derived from Latin, where "foramen" means "hole" and "magnum" means "great". Thus, it literally translates to "great hole".
Anatomy
The Foramen Magnum is oval in shape and is located in the lower part of the occipital bone. It is bordered anteriorly by the basilar part of the occipital bone, and posteriorly by the posterior part of the occipital bone. The spinal cord, vertebral arteries, anterior spinal artery, posterior spinal arteries, tectorial membrane, and alar ligaments pass through the Foramen Magnum.
Clinical Significance
The size and shape of the Foramen Magnum can have clinical significance. Abnormalities in its size can indicate certain medical conditions such as Chiari malformation, platybasia, and basilar invagination. These conditions can lead to serious neurological problems if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Related Terms
- Foramen: An opening, hole, or passage, typically in bone.
- Occipital bone: The trapezoidal-shaped bone found at the lower-back area of the cranium.
- Spinal cord: The main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.
- Vertebral column: Also known as the backbone or 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 Foramen magnum
- Wikipedia's article - Foramen magnum
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