A foramen bone isn't a specific type of bone, but rather describes any bone that contains a foramen, which is a hole or opening. The foramen serves as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels. [6]
Think of it this way: the bone is like a house, and the foramen is like a door or window allowing things (nerves and blood vessels) to pass through.
Here's a breakdown:
- Foramen: A hole through which nerves and blood vessels pass. [6]
- Bone: The rigid tissue that makes up the skeleton.
Therefore, a bone with a foramen is simply a bone with a hole that allows nerves and blood vessels to reach different parts of the body.
Examples of Foramina in Bones
Many bones in the human body contain foramina. Here are a few examples mentioned in the reference and other common examples:
- Supraorbital foramen: Located above the eye socket (orbit) in the frontal bone.
- Infraorbital foramen: Located below the eye socket in the maxilla.
- Mental foramen: Located on the mandible (jawbone).
- Vertebral foramen: The large hole in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.
- Foramen magnum: The large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord connects to the brain.
Table Summarizing Key Information
| Term | Definition | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foramen | A hole or opening in a bone. [6] | Allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through. | Infraorbital foramen, vertebral foramen |
| Foramen Bone | A bone containing a foramen (a hole for nerves/vessels) | Provides a pathway for nerves and blood vessels to reach various parts of the body. | Maxilla (containing the infraorbital foramen) |
| Fossa | A shallow depression on the bone surface [6] | May receive an articulating bone or act to support soft tissue structures. | N/A (not directly relevant to foramen bones) |
