foramen Definition
an opening, hole, or passage, especially in a bone, through which nerves and blood vessels pass.
Using foramen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "foramen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The spinal cord passes through the foramen magnum.
Example
The foramen ovale is an opening in the heart of a fetus that normally closes after birth.
Example
The mandibular foramen is an important landmark in dentistry.
foramen Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with foramen
Example
The foramen magnum is an important anatomical feature.
foramen ovale
a small opening in the heart of a fetus that allows blood to bypass the lungs
Example
The foramen ovale usually closes shortly after birth.
mental foramen
a small opening in the jawbone through which nerves and blood vessels pass
Example
The mental foramen is located near the roots of the lower molars.
Summary: foramen in Brief
The term 'foramen' [fəˈreɪmən] refers to an opening, hole, or passage, especially in a bone, through which nerves and blood vessels pass. It is a common anatomical feature, such as the foramen magnum, the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. Other examples include the foramen ovale, a small opening in the heart of a fetus that normally closes after birth, and the mental foramen, a small opening in the jawbone through which nerves and blood vessels pass.