What are foramina?

Foramina (singular foramen) are openings or holes in bones or other structures through which nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues pass. Foramina are found throughout the body and can vary in size and location.

Some examples of foramina include:

* The foramen magnum, which is a large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

* The intervertebral foramina, which are openings between the vertebrae through which the spinal nerves pass.

* The carotid foramen, which is an opening in the temporal bone through which the carotid artery passes.

* The optic foramen, which is an opening in the sphenoid bone through which the optic nerve passes.

* The infraorbital foramen, which is an opening in the maxilla bone through which the infraorbital nerve and artery pass.

Foramina are important passageways for nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues, and they play a vital role in the body's overall function.