intervertebral foramen

noun

anatomy : an opening on the left and right side of the spinal column between vertebrae that is formed by a superior and inferior notch in the pedicles (see pedicle sense 3) of contiguous vertebrae and gives passage to the spinal nerves from the spinal canal

Exiting from these intervertebral foramina are nerves which control many body functions, including the digestive, endocrine, vascular or circulatory, muscular, and respiratory or pulmonary systems.

—Chester A. Wilk

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1849, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

intervertebral foramen

noun

plural intervertebral foramina also intervertebral foramens

: any of the openings on the left and right side of the spinal column between vertebrae that is formed by a superior and inferior notch in the pedicles of contiguous vertebrae and gives passage to the spinal nerves from the spinal canal

Exiting from these intervertebral foramina are nerves which control many body functions, including the digestive, endocrine, vascular or circulatory, muscular, and respiratory or pulmonary systems.

—Chester A. Wilk