List of foramina in the body

List of Foramina in the Body

The human body contains numerous foramina (singular: foramen), which are openings or holes that allow structures like nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments to pass through different parts of the body. These foramina are critical for the functioning of various physiological systems. This article provides a comprehensive list of foramina, highlighting their locations and the structures that pass through them.

Cranial Foramina[edit | edit source]

The skull contains several foramina that allow the passage of cranial nerves, arteries, and veins.

Foramen Magnum - Located at the base of the skull, it is the largest foramen through which the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and anterior and posterior spinal arteries pass.
Optic canal - Allows the passage of the optic nerve (CN II) and the ophthalmic artery.
Superior orbital fissure - Serves as a passage for the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), abducens nerve (CN VI), ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V1), and the ophthalmic veins.
Foramen rotundum - Allows the passage of the maxillary nerve (CN V2).
Foramen ovale - Transmits the mandibular nerve (CN V3).
Foramen spinosum - Provides a path for the middle meningeal artery and vein.

Spinal Foramina[edit | edit source]

The spine also contains foramina, including the vertebral foramina and intervertebral foramina, through which the spinal cord and spinal nerves pass.

Vertebral foramen - Formed by the vertebral body and the vertebral arch, it houses the spinal cord.
Intervertebral foramina - Openings between adjacent vertebrae that allow for the exit of spinal nerves.

Thoracic Foramina[edit | edit source]

The thoracic region contains foramina for the passage of nerves and blood vessels to and from the thoracic cavity.

Superior thoracic aperture - An opening at the top of the thoracic cavity allowing structures to pass between the neck and thorax.

Abdominal and Pelvic Foramina[edit | edit source]

Several foramina are located in the abdominal and pelvic regions, facilitating the passage of nerves and vessels.

Inguinal canal - An oblique canal in the lower anterior abdominal wall, significant in both sexes for the passage of the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females.
Obturator foramen - Located in the pelvic bone, it is covered by the obturator membrane through which the obturator nerve, artery, and vein pass.

Extremities[edit | edit source]

Foramina in the limbs include those in the hands and feet, allowing for the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

Suprascapular notch - A notch in the scapula that serves as a nerve passageway.

This list is not exhaustive, as there are many more foramina throughout the body, each serving a specific function in the passage of structures from one area to another. Understanding these foramina is crucial for medical professionals, particularly in fields such as surgery and radiology, where knowledge of anatomical pathways is essential.