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Inanatomy andosteology, aforamen (/fəˈreɪmən/;[1][2]pl.:foramina,/fəˈræmɪnə/ orforamens/fəˈreɪmənz/; from Latin 'an opening produced by boring') is an opening or enclosed gap within thedense connective tissue (bones anddeep fasciae) of extant and extinctamnioteanimals, typically to allow passage ofnerves,arteries,veins or othersoft tissue structures (e.g.muscletendon) from one body compartment to another.
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Theskulls ofvertebrates have foramina through whichnerves,arteries,veins, and other structures pass. Thehuman skull has many foramina, collectively referred to as the cranial foramina.[3]
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Within thevertebral column (spine) of vertebrates, including thehuman spine, each bone has an opening at both its top and bottom to allow nerves, arteries, veins, etc. to pass through.
