vertebral foramen

noun

anatomy

: the opening in a vertebra that is formed by a neural arch and back portion of a vertebral body and through which the spinal cord passes

Note: Successive vertebral foramina make up the spinal canal.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vertebral foramen

noun

plural vertebral foramina also vertebral foramens

: the opening in a vertebra that is formed by a neural arch and back portion of a vertebral body and through which the spinal cord passes

Note: Successive vertebral foramina make up the spinal canal.