List of foramina of the body

List of Foramina of the Body

The human body contains numerous foramina (singular: foramen), which are openings or holes that allow structures such as 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, categorized by the region of the body in which they are found.

Cranial Foramina

The skull contains several foramina that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels to and from the brain.

• Foramen Magnum - The largest foramen, located at the base of the skull, allowing the spinal cord to connect with the brain.
• Optic Canal - Allows the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery to pass into the orbit.
• Superior Orbital Fissure - Serves as a passage for nerves and vessels entering the orbit from the cranial cavity.
• Foramen Rotundum - Transmits the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve.
• Foramen Ovale - Allows passage of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve.
• Foramen Spinosum - Provides a path for the middle meningeal artery and vein, and the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve.

Spinal Foramina

The vertebral column contains foramina through which the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal.

• Intervertebral Foramina - Openings between adjacent vertebrae for spinal nerves and blood vessels.
• Sacral Foramina - Allow passage for the sacral nerves and vessels.

Thoracic Foramina

The thoracic region contains foramina for the passage of structures into and out of the thoracic cavity.

• Superior Thoracic Aperture - An opening at the top of the thoracic cavity allowing structures to pass between the neck and thorax.
• Inferior Thoracic Aperture - Closed by the diaphragm, it allows structures to pass between the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Abdominal and Pelvic Foramina

Foramina in the abdominal and pelvic regions allow the passage of nerves and vessels to the lower parts of the body.

• Obturator Foramen - Located in the pelvic bone, it allows passage for the obturator nerve, artery, and vein.
• Inguinal Canal - An opening in the abdominal wall for the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females.

Other Notable Foramina

• Mandibular Foramen - On the inner surface of the mandible, for the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels.
• Mental Foramen - On the anterior surface of the mandible, for the mental nerve and vessels.

See Also

• Human Skeleton
• Nervous System
• Circulatory System